False Beliefs about MMR Vaccine, Measles Reach the Majority of US Adults: KFF Poll on Health Information & Trust

US measles cases have reached 800 individuals, the highest level since 2019 and the outbreak threatens to continue in light of wavering response from the federal government and drastic financial and personnel cuts to public health infrastructure.

KFF today published findings from its most recent poll of US adults on public awareness, concern, and vulnerability to misinformation about measles and the MMR vaccine.

The data reveal widespread exposure to misinformation about the MMR vaccine and the disease itself and how belief in specific myths influences parental decisions to vaccinate children. A bright spot is that most Americans maintain confidence the safety of the MMR vaccine, however, a substantial "malleable middle" remains uncertain about false claims. While that creates a population segment vulnerable to misinformation, they are also open to other ideas, an opening tailor-made for a trusted primary care clinician to walk through.

As might be expected, awareness of the current rise and spread of measles cases and worry about it varies by political party with Democrats being more aware and more concerned than Republicans. Partisan differences were found on many of the poll's measures. While Patient Care expresses no political affinity, it is important that our primary care readers understand that the current divide contributes to the vulnerability of a segment of their patients.

Source: Montero A, Sparks G, Montalvo J III, Kirzinger A, Hamel L. KFF tracking poll on health misinformation and trust: the public's views on measles outbreaks and misinformation. KFF. April 23, 2025. Accessed April 23, 2025. https://www.kff.org/health-information-and-trust/poll-finding/kff-tracking-poll-on-health-information-and-trust-the-publics-views-on-measles-outbreaks-and-misinformation/