False Beliefs about MMR Vaccine, Measles Reach the Majority of US Adults: KFF Poll on Health Information & Trust
Misinformation about measles and the MMR vaccine has reached the majority of US adults and parents; most believe the vaccine is safe but many are still unconvinced.
Measles outbreak awareness: Approximately half of US adults and parents of children younger than 18 are aware that measles cases are higher than they have been in recent years.
Measles outbreak awareness differs by certain demographics including political alliance with Democrats more likely to report knowing cases are higher this year than Republicans (71% vs 49%).
Concern about the 2025 measles outbreak worries about half of parents and parents "somewhat" while 3 to 4 in 10 are "very worried." Differences in demographics are noted here as well.
False claims about the MMR vaccine and measles treatment have reached most adults and parents with the most potent myth that MMR vaccine is linked to autism. Two other common pieces of misinformation in circulation: MMR vaccine is more dangerous than getting the disease and vitamin A prevents measles.
KFF reports a "malleable middle" among adults and parents who while not in full agreement with the false claims indicated they are definitely or probably true.
Measles misinformation is more potent among Hispanic than among Black and White adults and parents.
Vaccine misinformation has led one-quarter of parents who believe in at least 1 false claim to delay or skip having a child vaccinated (note the survey did not specifically ask about the MMR vaccine.)
Despite widespread exposure to misinformation about measles and the MMR vaccine, overall the majority of adults and parents say they are somewhat or very confident in the vaccine's safety. The confidence differs by political affiliation, however.
Measles misinformation take-home thoughts for primary care: First acknowledge and address adult/parental concern, then educate on the facts about vaccine safety. Also, recognize there is a proportion of patients/parents that may be uncertain vs opposed to vaccination and may be open to credible information from a trusted clinician.
Measles misinformation take-home thoughts for primary care: Be aware of and prepared to address specific myths in circulation with accurate information. Also, recognize potential racial and ethnic differences in attitudes about vaccines and leverage the cultural competence in your practice.
US measles cases have reached 800 individuals, the highest level since 2019 and the outbreak threatens to continue in light of wavering response from the federal government and drastic financial and personnel cuts to public health infrastructure.
KFF today published findings from its most recent poll of US adults on public awareness, concern, and vulnerability to misinformation about measles and the MMR vaccine.
The data reveal widespread exposure to misinformation about the MMR vaccine and the disease itself and how belief in specific myths influences parental decisions to vaccinate children. A bright spot is that most Americans maintain confidence the safety of the MMR vaccine, however, a substantial "malleable middle" remains uncertain about false claims. While that creates a population segment vulnerable to misinformation, they are also open to other ideas, an opening tailor-made for a trusted primary care clinician to walk through.
As might be expected, awareness of the current rise and spread of measles cases and worry about it varies by political party with Democrats being more aware and more concerned than Republicans. Partisan differences were found on many of the poll's measures. While Patient Care expresses no political affinity, it is important that our primary care readers understand that the current divide contributes to the vulnerability of a segment of their patients.
