In 2025 the United States had a large measles outbreak. More than 2,000 cases were reported across 43 states, the most since measles was declared eradicated in 2000. Almost all cases occurred in people who were not vaccinated, and MMR coverage among school children was about 93%, below the 95% level often cited for herd immunity.
Researchers surveyed 2,970 adults in August 2025 to study news habits and beliefs about the MMR vaccine. Most people followed the news and most said the vaccine benefits outweighed the risks, but about one in six were vaccine hesitant. The survey linked hesitancy to use of some right-leaning digital outlets (for example, Breitbart and Newsmax) and to non-authoritative health sources. The authors say public health messages should address the online sources people use.
Difficult words
- outbreak — a sudden start of many disease cases
- eradicate — to completely remove a disease or problemeradicated
- coverage — the percent of people who have a vaccine
- herd immunity — protection when many people are immune
- hesitant — not sure or slow to accept vaccinationvaccine hesitant
- authoritative — from trusted, official, or expert health sourcesnon-authoritative
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you follow news about health and vaccines? Where do you get it?
- Have you or someone you know delayed a vaccine? Why?
- What would make you trust a health message you see online?
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