Americans' support for future pandemic policies: insights from a national survey

The arrival of bird flu (H5N1) is a poignant reminder of the need for public health leaders to understand Americans' evolving perspectives on pandemic mitigation policies. To guide response efforts, we conducted a nationally representative opinion survey among 1017 U.S. adults in 2024. Majorities said they would be likely to support each of 4 policies in a future pandemic scenario (related to masking requirements, school closures, restaurant closures, and healthcare worker vaccination requirements). About half (49%) were likely to support all 4 policies, while 32% expressed mixed support. Support varied by gender, age, race, ethnicity, income, metropolitan and parental status, political party, and COVID-specific comorbidities. Roughly 80% expressed concern that future pandemic policies would hurt the economy, be based on political or pharmaceutical company/business interests, pander to critics, or further polarize society. Results suggest public support for future pandemic policies may be wider than media reports suggest, though important divisions exist and concerns about design and implementation are widespread. The most appealing policies will explicitly consider economic impacts and target populations at risk during clear time frames, with scope for personal choice. Ensuring that policies are made without undue political or commercial influence will remain a central challenge for public health leaders.