The recent measles outbreak in Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma is a stark reminder of the fragility of public health achievements and the critical importance of vaccination. As the number of cases climbs, with 321 reported cases and two deaths, including a school-age child who was unvaccinated, the outbreak underscores the vital role that herd immunity plays in safeguarding our communities. This crisis is not just a medical emergency; it is a clarion call for renewed commitment to vaccination and a reevaluation of the dangerous misinformation that has fueled vaccine skepticism.

The outbreak originated in Gaines County, Texas, within a Mennonite community where vaccination rates had declined. This community serves as a microcosm of a broader trend: the erosion of herd immunity due to rising vaccine hesitancy. Herd immunity, a collective shield built over decades through high vaccination rates, protects not only those who are vaccinated but also those who cannot receive vaccines for medical reasons and those who choose not to for personal beliefs. However, this protection is now under threat as vaccine skepticism, often fueled by misinformation, gains traction.

One of the most significant drivers of this skepticism has been Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the nonprofit organization he led, Children’s Health Defense. For years, this organization has spread mistrust and misinformation about vaccines, contributing to declining immunization rates. The irony is palpable: now that Kennedy serves as secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), he faces the largest measles outbreak in Texas and the first child death from measles in over 20 years.

At President Donald Trump’s first Cabinet meeting, Kennedy acknowledged the death but seemed to dismiss the outbreak as “not unusual,” a statement that drew widespread criticism. As the outbreak spiraled out of control, he reversed course, declaring measles a top HHS priority. In a subsequent op-ed for Fox News, Kennedy wrote, “Measles outbreak is a call to action for all of us,” emphasizing the importance of vaccinations in contributing to community immunity. This marked a dramatic shift from his past rhetoric, as he is now forced to confront the consequences of the very skepticism he helped foster.

This moment is critical for both Kennedy and the nation. His tenure at HHS will not be defined by his work on nutrition or chronic disease, no matter how commendable, but by how he responds to the increasing number of vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks. The resurgence of measles, declared eliminated in the US in 2000, is a direct result of declining vaccination rates driven by disinformation campaigns. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that in some communities, childhood vaccination rates have dropped below the 95% threshold needed to maintain herd immunity. This decline has left vulnerable populations, including infants, immunocompromised individuals, and those who opt out of vaccines, at greater risk than ever before.

The tragic death of a child should be a stark reminder of the serious implications of measles outbreaks. While it is true that most individuals who contract measles will not die from it, the fact remains that 1 in 10 confirmed cases during this outbreak has required hospitalization. This statistic underscores the reality that even non-fatal cases can lead to severe health complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, pregnancy-related issues, and potential lifelong health challenges. What makes measles particularly dangerous is its extreme contagiousness; many experts describe it as the most contagious virus known. It spreads through airborne particles and can linger in the air for hours. In an unvaccinated community, one infected person can spread measles to up to 90% of those around them. This is why even small declines in vaccination rates can lead to major outbreaks, with hospitalizations and deaths to follow.

The Texas outbreak is a clear demonstration that when herd immunity erodes, outbreaks are not a matter of if, but when. The challenge for Kennedy is not just responding to this particular outbreak but reversing the tide of vaccine skepticism that has grown, in part, because of his own past activism. A true leader must be willing to acknowledge mistakes — even if unintended — and correct course. If he is serious about tackling measles, Kennedy must take concrete steps to promote vaccine uptake, even in areas and times when there isn’t an active outbreak. Such measures include launching aggressive public education campaigns, ensuring vaccine access, and working with state and local officials to restore trust in immunization programs. Like his predecessors, he must consistently and unequivocally state his commitment to vaccines.

Ultimately, both Kennedy and much of unvaccinated America are receiving a crash course on the topic of herd immunity. The ability of a minority to remain unvaccinated has always depended on the decisions of a vast majority to protect them. Now, as we confront more outbreaks, one lesson is clear: Community immunity is not just a personal choice; it is a collective responsibility. Kennedy’s legacy will be defined not by what he has said in the past but by what he does now. He will be remembered either as the vaccine skeptic who turned vaccine champion or as the man at the helm of HHS when America made measles great again. For the sake of our public health and our children, we should all hope it’s the former, not the latter.

The ongoing measles outbreak is a wake-up call for all of us. It is a stark reminder that the fight against preventable diseases is far from over. It is a call to action for healthcare providers, public health officials, and community leaders to come together and address the root causes of vaccine hesitancy. It is a plea to parents and guardians to protect their children by ensuring they receive the life-saving MMR vaccine. The road ahead may be long and challenging, but with determination, education, and collaboration, we can turn the tide against this measles outbreak and safeguard the health of our communities for generations to come.