Majority of Americans Believe MMR Vaccine Benefits Outweigh Risks, Survey Indicates

Recent findings from a survey conducted by the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania reveal that a significant majority of American adults perceive the advantages of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine for children to vastly surpass its associated risks, with an 83% to 17% ratio. This comes at a time when the U.S. is experiencing its second-highest incidence of measles cases since the disease was declared eliminated in the country in 2000.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over a thousand confirmed cases of measles have occurred in the U.S. in 2025, accompanied by three deaths. The CDC suggests that these numbers are likely underreported due to unreported cases. In contrast, the yearly average from 2000 to 2024 was around 180 cases.

Despite the current outbreak, the survey indicates that a large majority of Americans--83%--express no concern about contracting measles in the near future. Kathleen Hall Jamieson, the center's director, noted that the prevalent vaccination rates among children and adults likely contribute to this sense of security. However, she emphasized the importance of awareness regarding measles symptoms, treatment options, and preventive measures, particularly given the rising cases across 31 states.

The CDC recommends administering two doses of the MMR vaccine, with the first dose given between 12 to 15 months of age and the second between 4 to 6 years, achieving a 97% efficacy rate in preventing measles among vaccinated individuals exposed to the virus.

While the majority of the population supports the MMR vaccine, some hesitancy remains, primarily stemming from the debunked myth linking the vaccine to autism. Two-thirds of survey participants (67%) reject this notion, although this figure has decreased from 74% in June 2021. Alarmingly, 14% of respondents now believe that the MMR vaccine does indeed cause autism, marking a 5% increase since the previous survey.

Support for mandatory vaccination policies for school attendance has risen significantly, with 70% of respondents advocating for requirements that healthy children receive vaccinations to mitigate risks to unvaccinated individuals. This contrasts with only 18% who believe parents should have the option to opt-out, even if it poses risks to others.

Additionally, the survey highlights a concerning lack of understanding regarding the risks associated with measles during pregnancy. Only 34% correctly identified low birth weight and early delivery as complications of measles in pregnant individuals. Furthermore, the majority (57%) expressed uncertainty regarding these complications, and only 15% were aware that vaccination is recommended prior to pregnancy, not during.

Despite many Americans correctly identifying the methods of measles transmission--66% recognized the risk of touching contaminated surfaces--there is still widespread uncertainty about other aspects of the disease, including the incubation period and potential complications. Only a small fraction of respondents accurately estimated the hospitalization rate and the incidence of diarrhea associated with measles.

The survey also addressed alternative treatments mentioned by public figures, such as the use of vitamin A and cod liver oil. Health experts have cautioned that these should not be considered preventive measures against measles. The survey showed that opinions are divided, with nearly half unsure of the efficacy of these remedies.

Overall, this survey underscores the necessity for continued public education regarding the MMR vaccine and measles, especially in light of rising cases and persistent misinformation.