New research into immunization is fueling concerns about the increased rejection of routine vaccines in the U.S. An NBC News and Stanford University investigation on immunization rates found that 67 percent of U.S. counties have immunization rates below herd immunity levels, and 77 percent of counties have had notable declines in immunization since 2019. Responses to the report largely blamed declining immunization on the anti-vaccine movement and right-wing politicians. Many responses also expressed strong opposition to certain “new” vaccines and questioned the safety and necessity of other routine vaccines. A recent KFF/Washington Post poll, which found that one in six parents report skipping or delaying at least one childhood vaccine, received a similarly mixed response. Some celebrated that “people are waking up” to the alleged dangers of vaccines, while others harshly criticized parents who don’t vaccinate.
Recommendations
Some parents are concerned about the safety and necessity of childhood vaccines, causing them to reject or delay routine immunization. Health communicators can help allay these fears by explaining how vaccines protect children, families, and communities and why we know vaccines are safe. Messaging may emphasize that high vaccination rates are necessary to achieve community protection, ensuring that even those who are too young to be vaccinated or have weakened immune systems can still be protected from vaccine-preventable diseases.
Fact-checking sources: Nemours KidsHealth, AAP
Communication Resources: Discover our guide on how to prepare for communicating about vaccines
