Partisan divides shape our thinking about vaccines, new data shows. But it's more complicated than it seems.

Democrats are far more likely than Republicans to say medical experts should have a major role in childhood vaccine policy decisions, according to data released Nov. 18 from the Pew Research Center on Americans' vaccine attitudes. The survey of over 5,000 U.S. adults found 71% of Republicans and 46% Democrats say parents of young kids should have the say.

When it comes to COVID-19 vaccines specifically, 83% of Republicans say they don't want the updated shot compared to 44% of Democrats.

This political divide has been brewing for some time: During the pandemic, many Republicans began to believe there was too much overreach into their health care decisions, says Eileen Yam, director of science and society research at Pew Research Center.

Americans agree: Kids' vaccines work

While Americans dispute who should set the rules, 63% are highly confident that childhood vaccines are effective at preventing serious illness, the data shows.

But overall, there's more uncertainty – among Republicans in particular – about safety, timing and number of vaccines kids get, the survey found.

"There's softer confidence in the safety aspects," Yam says.

Partisan beliefs about school requirements come amid measles outbreaks across the U.S., particularly among unvaccinated kids. The survey found a robust portion of both Democrats (92%) and Republicans (78%) both say benefits of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine outweigh any risks. But Republican support for MMR requirements continues to wane despite the uptick in cases.

"That partisan divergence was already in progress before this year's historic measles outbreaks ... dating back to the pandemic," Yam says.

Americans aren't influenced on COVID vaccines

Confusion abounds across the country after new CDC guidance for the COVID-19 vaccine went into effect in October.

Under the updated advice, only those over 65 and people with existing health problems are recommended the COVID-19 vaccine, according to federal guidelines.

The changes haven't made a massive dent in our attitudes, according to the data. More than four in 10 Americans say they have heard nothing about the CDC’s changes to COVID-19 vaccine recommendations. And even when people learned of the changes, 63% say the changes haven't influenced whether they get the shot. At the same time, 59% of Americans said they don't want to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine – and the lion's share of folks saying "no" are Republicans.

"A lot of Americans haven't even heard about this," Yam says. American's don't see COVID-19 as much as a health risk as they did before, she says, and the policy changes didn't necessary sway beliefs about getting the shot.

Whether it's your vaccine or your child's, talk to your doctor and make the best choice for your family.

"If nothing else, walk away with the understanding there's a lot of nuance," Yam says. "There's a lot weighing on people's minds when making decisions about vaccines."

This story was updated with new information.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Most Americans are confident in kids' vaccines. Where is the disconnect?

Reporting by Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect