Most Americans Expect Another Pandemic Within a Decade, New Poll Finds

May 27, 2025

A majority of Americans believe the United States is likely to face another pandemic within the next ten years, according to a recent YouGov poll. The survey, conducted April 1-4 among 1,067 U.S. adults, reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic has left a lasting impression on the nation’s outlook regarding infectious disease threats.

Key Findings:

• Widespread Concern: 69% of respondents said it is somewhat or very likely that the U.S. will experience a widespread outbreak of a new infectious disease in the next decade. Only 20% considered such an event unlikely.

• Partisan Differences: Belief in the likelihood of a new pandemic varied by political affiliation. Among Democrats, 85% foresee another outbreak, compared to 61% of Republicans and 63% of independents.

• Existing Diseases Also a Worry: 58% of Americans think it is somewhat or very likely that a disease currently controlled by childhood vaccines could become widespread again. This concern is especially timely as the U.S. faces a measles outbreak, with over 1,000 cases reported across 30 states as of May 22, according to the CDC.

• Threat Perception Over Time: 32% of respondents believe infectious diseases like measles pose a greater threat now than 50 years ago, while 38% disagree and 21% see the risk as unchanged.

• Government Priorities: If another pandemic occurs, 45% of those surveyed believe creating a vaccine should be the government’s top priority, with an additional 33% saying it should be one of several priorities. Only 8% think it should not be a priority at all. Here, too, political divisions are apparent: 68% of Democrats support prioritizing vaccine development, compared to 36% of independents and 32% of Republicans.

Context and Implications

The poll comes amid renewed attention to vaccine-preventable diseases, as the U.S. grapples with a significant measles outbreak. The data suggest that memories of COVID-19 continue to shape public attitudes, influencing not only expectations for future pandemics but also views on the importance of government action and vaccination.

Disclaimer:
This article is based on information from a recent YouGov poll as reported by Medical Xpress. Polling data reflects public opinion at the time of the survey and may be subject to change. The findings should not be interpreted as predictions or scientific forecasts. For more information, visit the original article at Medical Xpress.