Tennessee Voters Support Strong Vaccine Policies
This is not a story of a divided public. It’s a story of a public that still believes in the power of prevention.
A new statewide survey by Cygnal for Tennessee Families for Vaccines shows that Tennessee voters overwhelmingly support strong vaccine policies.
Tennesseans trust vaccines and believe the benefits outweigh any potential risks
Two-thirds of voters believe childhood vaccines provide significant benefits and are essential – over double the number who believe vaccines may offer some benefits but are concerned about potential risks and side effects (29%).
Voters believe the benefits outweigh the risks most with MMR vaccines (70%) and the polio vaccine (68%).
Tennesseans believe health policy should be grounded in scientific evidence
There is near-universal agreement that the process for approving vaccines should be grounded in scientific evidence and designed to support innovation that protects individuals and families (84% agree). While 80% agree that vaccine recommendations should be guided by physicians, scientists, and public health experts trained to evaluate health risks and benefits.
Tennesseans oppose ending statewide vaccine requirements
Nearly two-thirds of voters oppose (64%) Tennessee adopting a policy to eliminate all statewide vaccine requirements, including 52% who strongly oppose. Just 24% support.
Tennessee Republicans and swing voters oppose legislators rolling back requirements
A whopping 66% of voters would be less likely to support their state legislator if they voted to end all vaccine requirements statewide in Tennessee. 55% would be much less likely.
This includes a plurality of Republicans (47%), a majority of rural voters (56%), and 69% of swing voters—meaning eliminating current vaccine requirements would cause issues in a GOP primary and in every competitive general election district across the Volunteer State.
Tennesseans show strong consensus on access to vaccines
Voters show strong support for:
Policies that ensure vaccines are easily available at local pharmacies and fully covered by insurance (90% support).
Efforts to increase access and insurance coverage for vaccines so that all children can meet school vaccination requirements (83% support).
Why This Matters
For years, Tennessee has been a national example of how strong community values and common‑sense public health practices can work hand in hand. Our high kindergarten vaccination rates reflect that Tennesseans believe in protecting their families and communities. More than 90 percent of Tennessee parents choose to vaccinate their children against diseases such as measles, polio, and diphtheria. That level of participation speaks volumes about the trust families place in the recommendations of their pediatricians and in vaccines as proven, life-saving prevention tools.
Our commitment has paid off. Tennessee has avoided the kinds of outbreaks that have devastated other states. Time and again, Tennessee communities have chosen to protect ourselves, our children, and our neighbors.
But that success is not guaranteed.
Recent data show that our vaccination rates, while still relatively strong, are beginning to slip. In the 2024-2025 school year, Tennessee’s kindergarten MMR vaccination rate fell just below the 95% community-immunity threshold for the first time since 2008. Even small declines can open the door to diseases we haven’t had to worry about in years.
When a disease becomes rare, it’s easy to become complacent. But rarity is not an accident. It is the direct result of keeping vaccination rates high. To maintain our hard‑won progress, we must continue relying on the dedication of Tennessee physicians and healthcare professionals, the strength of our state vaccine policies, and the longstanding commitment of Tennessee families.
Tennessee has every reason to be proud of its vaccination record. We should celebrate the Volunteers who continue to do the right thing for their children and their communities. But pride alone won’t keep us protected. We need to stay committed to the simple, effective measures that have kept our state healthy for generations.
Vaccines work. Tennesseans know it. And if we continue to act on that shared belief, we can ensure that preventable diseases stay in the past where they belong.