The ongoing measles outbreaks across the United States have sparked a crucial conversation about vaccine acceptance and hesitancy. While public health experts emphasize the importance of vaccination to curb the spread of this highly contagious disease, the response from communities has been mixed.
In areas affected by measles outbreaks, local healthcare professionals are working tirelessly to offer the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine. Typically administered in a two-dose series, the MMR vaccine is recommended for children aged 12-15 months and again at 4-6 years. In high-risk situations, such as during an outbreak, an extra dose can be given as early as 6 months of age.
Health experts on the ground have reported varying levels of vaccine acceptance. While some parents are eager to get their children vaccinated early, others remain hesitant or outright refuse immunization. This divide has been a cause for concern among medical professionals.
Dr. Christopher Lombardozzi, Chief Medical Officer at Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, warns, "[Measles] can spread rapidly among the unvaccinated population. If the number of unvaccinated individuals remains high, we could face a significant problem not only this year but in the years to come."
The upstate region of South Carolina is currently experiencing a surge in measles cases, with over 400 people in quarantine due to exposure. Spartanburg County, at the epicenter of the outbreak, has seen a mixed response to vaccination efforts. While there has been some increase in vaccine uptake, healthcare providers like Dr. Lombardozzi express disappointment that it hasn't met their expectations.
"We've seen an increase in vaccine uptake since the outbreak began in South Carolina, which is encouraging. However, there's still a significant amount of vaccine hesitancy in the area, and I believe it's unwarranted," Dr. Lombardozzi said.
Addressing vaccine hesitancy is a complex and time-consuming process, according to Dr. Lombardozzi. "We try to support individuals and meet them where they are. We hope that over time, those who have been hesitant will change their minds."
The negative effects of low vaccine acceptance could have long-lasting implications, Dr. Lombardozzi warns. "Without increasing immunization rates, we may see the consequences of this outbreak ripple through our communities for years to come."
Dr. Linda Bell, State Epidemiologist and Health Program Branch Director for the South Carolina Department of Public Health, echoed these concerns during a press conference. She described the lack of vaccine acceptance amid the growing outbreak as "disappointing."
"Vaccines could have prevented a majority of these cases. We have the tools to stop this outbreak sooner rather than later if people are willing to adopt them," Dr. Bell said.
Another ongoing outbreak in Utah, which began in June 2023, has surpassed 200 measles cases. David Heaton, Public Information Officer at the Southwest Utah Department of Public Health, expressed concern that measles may soon be declared endemic again, ending the decades-long elimination status in the U.S.
"We're getting closer to a discouraging threshold. Recovering from the loss of elimination status is possible, but it could take a couple of years at least," Heaton said.
In the Southwest region, vaccine acceptance has been highest among those who were previously on the fence or those who missed vaccines accidentally. However, individuals with strong anti-vaccine beliefs have been resistant to change, Heaton added.
Despite these challenges, there have been success stories. During a large outbreak in New Mexico from February to September 2025, the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) reported that MMR doses administered were nearly 50% higher than the previous year by October.
The largest gains were seen in adult vaccination, which increased by about 230% in October 2025 compared to October 2024. Vaccination rates among children receiving the MMR shot only increased by about 10% during the same period.
Andrea Romero, Immunization Program Section Manager at NMDOH, attributed this success to effective communication during the outbreak. Most adults who got vaccinated did so because they were unsure of their vaccination status and felt a strong sense of duty to protect their community.
"When individuals know they're making a difference, it matters. Every time I have the opportunity to thank them for being great community members and for their response, caring about themselves, their families, and their neighbors, it means a lot because it's their efforts that make the difference," Romero said.
NMDOH data suggests that parents of children with vaccine exemptions changed their minds about the MMR vaccine around the time of New Mexico's measles outbreak. Between January 13, 2025, and January 13, 2026, 384 children with vaccine exemptions on file received at least one MMR shot.
During the same timeframe, at least one MMR dose was the only immunization on record for 189 children in the state, indicating that some parents chose to vaccinate their children solely due to the outbreak.
Doctors near outbreak regions are also experiencing the effects of fears and questions about measles and vaccination from their communities. Dr. Deborah Greenhouse, a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics and a pediatrician in South Carolina, shared her concerns.
"Although we haven't had a measles case yet in our community, parents and healthcare providers are increasingly worried. As we know, measles doesn't respect county borders. As the numbers continue to rise, the likelihood of cases appearing in the midlands of South Carolina increases dramatically," Dr. Greenhouse said.
On Tuesday, health officials announced a measles exposure on January 2 in the midlands region at the South Carolina State Museum in Columbia.
"If more families decline vaccines, our vaccination rates will drop, and we'll become an open target for an outbreak, much like the Spartanburg area," Dr. Greenhouse warned.
In her experience, building a foundation of trust with families has been essential for vaccine acceptance. "They know me, they trust me. They understand that as a pediatrician, my only interest is protecting the best interests of their children and family."
"Families I've known for years, with whom I have a strong relationship, are coming in and asking for every vaccine they can get. They're concerned about their children being exposed to measles and want to ensure they're protected," Dr. Greenhouse added.
Building trust among families has been particularly challenging amid changing guidance from federal health agencies and widespread misinformation, Dr. Greenhouse noted.
"Unfortunately, some of the awful sources of misinformation are people you used to trust. As a new parent, I understand why it's incredibly difficult to navigate this right now," she said.
Despite the challenges, doctors emphasize that the science supporting vaccine safety and effectiveness hasn't changed.
"Within the medical community, there's little disagreement that vaccines are safe and effective. The message is clear: get your children vaccinated when it's time. Talk to your pediatrician or doctor," Dr. Lombardozzi said.
As the measles outbreaks continue, the conversation around vaccine acceptance and hesitancy remains critical. The success stories and efforts of healthcare professionals to build trust and educate communities offer a glimmer of hope in the fight against this preventable disease.
