Measles Misinformation Fuels Public Uncertainty Amidst Outbreaks, KFF Poll Reveals
A new survey conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) has unveiled a concerning landscape of misinformation surrounding measles and the MMR vaccine, raising alarms about public health amidst ongoing outbreaks across the United States. The findings reveal a substantial proportion of the population grappling with false claims about both the virus and the vaccine designed to prevent it, creating an environment of uncertainty and potentially hindering efforts to control the spread of the disease. This upsurge in misinformation coincides with a resurgence of measles cases, with over 900 reported across 27 states in 2025, including three fatalities – two children and one adult, none of whom were vaccinated. The efficacy of the MMR vaccine, standing at a 97% success rate with two doses, underscores the critical role of accurate information and vaccination in preventing further tragedy.
One of the most striking findings of the KFF poll is the pervasiveness of the debunked link between the MMR vaccine and autism. Nearly six in ten adults reported encountering this false claim, highlighting the enduring power of misinformation despite scientific consensus. Equally alarming is the rise in the number of adults who believe that the measles vaccine is more dangerous than the disease itself. This figure has jumped by 15 percentage points since last year, with one in three adults now subscribing to this misconception. Adding to the complexity of the misinformation landscape is the proliferation of false claims regarding Vitamin A as a measles preventative, with one in five adults having encountered this inaccurate information. While the percentage of respondents who definitively believe these claims is relatively small (under 5%), the significant proportion (over 50%) who express uncertainty – deeming them either “probably true” or “probably false” – underscores the widespread confusion and the urgent need for clear, evidence-based communication.
The implications of this widespread uncertainty are profound and potentially devastating. As Ashley Kirzinger, co-author of the study and Associate Director of KFF’s Public Opinion and Survey Research Program, emphasizes, the growing number of individuals exposed to these false claims is deeply troubling, even if belief in the claims themselves remains relatively stable. The sheer volume of misinformation circulating creates a fertile ground for doubt and hesitancy, potentially undermining public trust in vaccination and jeopardizing public health efforts.
The KFF poll also sheds light on the significant role of political affiliation in shaping vaccine beliefs. A stark partisan divide emerged in the survey results, with Republicans significantly more likely than Democrats to believe in the discredited vaccine-autism link (35% vs. 10%). This divergence in beliefs extends to the perceived dangers of the measles vaccine, with Republicans twice as likely as Democrats to believe the vaccine poses a greater risk than the disease itself (20% vs. 10%). Even awareness of the increasing measles cases reflects this partisan divide, with 71% of Democrats acknowledging the rise compared to only 49% of Republicans. This politicization of vaccine information further complicates efforts to address vaccine hesitancy and ensure public safety.
Disturbingly, the misinformation surrounding measles vaccines is not merely influencing beliefs but also impacting parental decisions regarding their children’s health. Among parents who believe in at least one of the false claims about the MMR vaccine, nearly one in four have delayed or skipped vaccinations for their children. This is more than double the rate observed among parents who reject these false claims, highlighting the direct impact of misinformation on vaccination rates and potentially placing children at increased risk of contracting measles. This trend underscores the urgency of addressing misinformation and providing parents with accurate information to make informed decisions about their children’s health.
Despite the prevalence of misinformation and the evident political divide, the KFF poll offers a glimmer of hope. A majority of adults and parents continue to express confidence in the safety and efficacy of vaccines. This suggests that while misinformation poses a significant challenge, a foundation of trust in vaccines still exists. Leveraging this trust through targeted education and communication efforts may be crucial in combating the spread of misinformation and ensuring that evidence-based decision-making prevails in protecting public health. Combating the measles outbreaks and protecting vulnerable populations requires addressing the root causes of vaccine hesitancy, including the pervasive misinformation that fuels uncertainty and fear. Continued efforts to disseminate accurate information, strengthen public trust in scientific consensus, and bridge the partisan divide on vaccine issues are essential to safeguarding public health.