America’s children are facing an urgent crisis as measles outbreaks spread across the country, with Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and other states on the brink of disaster. In Texas alone, over 400 cases have been confirmed, including the tragic death of the first child from measles in over a decade. This devastating loss is just the beginning—public health experts fear that if action isn’t taken, the outbreak could drag on for an entire year. But there’s hope—this heartbreaking situation is preventable.
Measles, a highly contagious virus, has the potential to hospitalize 1 in 5 people it infects and can kill 1 in every 1,000. Before the introduction of the vaccine in 1963, the U.S. saw hundreds of thousands of cases annually, often leading to deadly complications like pneumonia and encephalitis. Thankfully, thanks to widespread vaccination, the disease was nearly eliminated by the late 1990s. But vaccination rates have started to drop, and the risk of a resurgence is growing.
Once, vaccination rates of 95% helped achieve herd immunity and stop measles in its tracks. Now, in certain states, those rates have fallen dangerously below that threshold. In Gaines County, Texas, for example, nearly 20% of kindergarteners are not vaccinated. This creates fertile ground for outbreaks to flourish and threatens the safety of communities across the country.
The rise of misinformation about vaccines has made this problem worse. Anti-vaccine rhetoric is spreading like wildfire, leaving many families confused and fearful about the safety of vaccines. This is not just an issue of individual choice—vaccines are a collective responsibility to protect not only ourselves but also our communities. The stakes are too high, and the science is clear: vaccines save lives.
I’ve seen the lifesaving power of vaccines firsthand. During the COVID-19 pandemic, as lieutenant governor of Hawaii, we vaccinated over a million people and kept infection and death rates lower than nearly anywhere else in the nation. In 2019, I led an emergency mission to Samoa, where a measles outbreak killed 83 people, mostly children. Over 36 hours, we vaccinated 37,000 people, stopping the spread and saving countless lives.
In the U.S., reports show that measles vaccination rates for kindergartners have fallen to dangerously low levels in at least 14 states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that without action, we could face even larger outbreaks in the coming months.
The danger is real, and it’s critical that we act quickly. To stop the spread of measles, we need a nationwide vaccination campaign built on four key pillars: education, community engagement, accessibility, and strong public policy.
First, we must fight misinformation head-on. Clear, factual information from trusted local leaders—doctors, educators, and faith leaders—can counter false claims and increase public trust in vaccines. This effort must be aggressive and widespread to ensure everyone understands the safety and importance of the measles vaccine.
Second, communities must be actively engaged in this effort. Listening to local concerns, responding thoughtfully, and working together can improve vaccination rates and save lives. Community-based strategies have been proven to work and should be the cornerstone of our response.
Third, vaccines must be made easily accessible. In areas with limited healthcare access, mobile vaccination units, health fairs, and partnerships with local organizations can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to get vaccinated.
Finally, public policy must reflect our collective responsibility. Policies requiring vaccination for school entry—except for legitimate medical reasons—have historically protected communities by maintaining high vaccination rates. These policies must be enforced, with compassion and understanding of the larger public health benefits.
We are at a crossroads. If we act now, we can stop this outbreak before it gets worse. With the right resources, compassion, and will, we can protect America’s children from the devastating consequences of measles and ensure the safety of our communities for years to come. Let’s take action and make sure we never have to face this tragedy again.
