In 2025 the United States experienced a large measles outbreak after childhood vaccination rates fell following the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 2,000 measles cases were reported in 43 states, the highest number since measles was declared eradicated in 2000. Almost all cases occurred in unvaccinated people, and MMR coverage among school children was about 93%, below the 95% level often cited for herd immunity.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins surveyed 2,970 adults in August 2025 and published their results in the journal Vaccine. They asked where people got news and health information and how they felt about the MMR vaccine. Most respondents followed the news and 83% said the vaccine's benefits outweighed its risks, yet roughly one in six reported vaccine hesitancy.
The survey found clear links between media use and vaccine attitudes. Regular users of new-right digital outlets such as Breitbart, Newsmax and Zero Hedge were more than twice as likely to be hesitant. Hesitant adults more often relied on alternative health providers, social media health influencers and newsletters like Children’s Health Defense, while people who relied on physicians were less likely to be hesitant. The authors conclude that public health communicators should address the online sources people use when planning vaccination efforts.
Difficult words
- outbreak — sudden increase in disease cases
- eradicate — to completely remove a disease from a placeeradicated
- unvaccinated — not having received a vaccine
- herd immunity — protection when many people are immune
- coverage — percentage of people who received a vaccine
- hesitancy — delay or doubt about accepting a vaccinevaccine hesitancy
- survey — a set of questions to collect informationsurveyed
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How could public health communicators address the online sources people use when planning vaccination efforts? Give one or two ideas.
- Have you seen information about vaccines on social media or newsletters? How did that information affect your view of vaccines?
- If MMR coverage falls below the 95% level for herd immunity, what actions could schools or communities take? Explain your opinion.
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