During an April 17 congressional hearing, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claimed that the U.S. has contained measles outbreaks better than other countries. Department of Health and Human Services social media accounts repeated the claim, posting an image comparing measles cases in the U.S. with those in Mexico, Canada, and the European Union. Some social media users criticized health officials for deflecting responsibility, noting that the U.S. is on track to surpass last year’s record-high measles cases. Others agreed that rising measles cases reflect a global trend, while attributing outbreaks to immigrant populations, a claim that lacks evidence.
Meanwhile, a recent AP News article highlighted the population at highest risk during measles outbreaks: infants who are too young to receive the MMR vaccine. The article received mixed responses, with some emphasizing the importance of vaccination to protect those who are too young or otherwise unable to be vaccinated, and others making false claims that breastmilk provides sufficient immunity against measles.
Recommendation
False or misleading claims about measles may cause vaccine hesitancy during active outbreaks, particularly when the claims come from health officials. Messaging may explain that health experts attribute the rise in measles cases in the U.S. to declining vaccination rates, which have fallen below herd immunity levels in many states. Emphasizing that vaccination is the only safe way to prevent measles is recommended, as is highlighting the risks of a measles infection, including potential long-term damage to a child’s immune system.
Debunking messaging may also explain that, while some antibodies from prior infection or vaccination may pass through breastmilk, this does not provide sufficient protection against measles infection. The MMR vaccine is safe, 97 percent effective against infection, and provides long-lasting protection.
Fact-checking sources: AP News, FactCheck.org
Communication resources: Find tools for communicating about the ongoing measles outbreak
