US vaccine trust declines amid major measles outbreak

A Reuters/Ipsos poll indicates a decline in American confidence regarding the safety of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Currently, 76% of Americans believe the vaccine is safe for children, down from 84% recorded in May 2020. This decline in trust is most pronounced among Republicans.

The shift in sentiment occurs as the United States faces its largest measles outbreak in 35 years, with over 3,000 confirmed cases this year. States including Pennsylvania, Utah, and South Carolina are currently experiencing outbreaks, with Pennsylvania reporting three deaths linked to the disease.

Political shifts are also impacting immunization policy. President Donald Trump previously signed an executive order seeking to reduce the number of mandatory vaccines in the federal childhood program from 17 to 11. Additionally, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has advocated for changes to U.S. vaccination policies, pushing for fewer required childhood immunizations.