Confidence in the childhood measles vaccine has declined among U.S.
adults as the country deals with its largest measles outbreak in
decades. A new Reuters/Ipsos poll found 76 percent of respondents
considered the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine safe for children,
down from 84 percent in 2020.
The decline comes as more than 3,000 measles cases have been reported
nationally during the current outbreak, according to the Reuters
report. Several states have experienced significant clusters, and
three deaths have been reported in connection with the disease.
Measles is one of the world’s most contagious viruses and can spread
through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Complications can include pneumonia, brain inflammation and, in rare
cases, death.
Public-health specialists generally estimate that vaccination coverage
of about 95 percent is needed to prevent sustained measles
transmission in a community. U.S. kindergarten vaccination coverage
has fallen below that level nationally, increasing the number of
communities vulnerable to outbreaks.
The Reuters/Ipsos poll found the decline in vaccine confidence was not
evenly distributed across political groups. The findings add another
dimension to a national debate over childhood vaccination policy and
the role of federal health agencies.
Health officials continue to recommend the MMR vaccine as the primary
protection against measles. Parents with questions about vaccination
timing or medical exceptions are encouraged to discuss their child’s
individual circumstances with a qualified health-care provider.
