As measles cases surge in the U.S., a new Reuters/Ipsos poll reveals widespread doubts about the Trump administration’s ability to contain the outbreak. Only 31% of Americans believe officials are handling the crisis responsibly, while 40% disagree. With over 1,000 cases reported this year—the worst in 25 years—health experts warn **vaccine skepticism** and misinformation could be fueling the fire 🔥.
But there’s good news: 86% of respondents say the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe for kids. Still, a troubling 13% view it as unsafe, up from 10% in 2020. 'Vaccines are our best weapon,' says Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., though critics argue his mixed messaging on severity and efficacy might deepen public distrust.
Politics splits attitudes: 76% overall agree parents have a ‘duty’ to vaccinate kids, including majorities of Republicans and Democrats. But 25% of Republicans oppose vaccine mandates, mirroring local divides like in Texas’s Gaines County, where 82% of kindergartners are vaccinated amid an outbreak that’s infected 700+ people.
With 55% of Americans worried about measles compared to 80% stressing over inflation, the CDC warns vaccination rates dropped to 92.7% last year—below the 95% needed for herd immunity. Are we due for a reality check? 🤔
