As measles cases rise sharply in Texas and New Mexico, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has sparked renewed controversy with comments suggesting that natural measles infections may offer better immunity than vaccination.
In an interview broadcast Tuesday, March 11, 2025, on Fox News with host Sean Hannity, Kennedy claimed that when people contracted measles naturally during childhood decades ago, it provided them lifelong immunity. In contrast, Kennedy argued, vaccine-induced protection may diminish over time.
Kennedy said in the interview that during childhood in the distant past, it was common for everyone to contract measles, which provided lifelong immunity against the illness. he expressed that the vaccine does not offer the same level of protection. While it is effective for some individuals over their lifetime, its immunity can diminish for many others.
Health experts agree that natural infection can lead to lifelong immunity but strongly caution against contracting the illness because of its severe risks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), prior to the vaccine’s introduction in 1963, about 500,000 measles cases and around 500 deaths occurred each year in the U.S., with the actual number of cases likely being higher. Since vaccination became common practice, measles cases have dropped by over 95%.
Currently, Texas and New Mexico are experiencing significant measles outbreaks, largely among unvaccinated communities. Texas has confirmed 223 measles cases, including 29 hospitalizations and one death—a child who was not vaccinated. New Mexico is dealing with 33 measles cases, and an adult who recently died is suspected to have contracted the illness, though officials have yet to officially confirm measles as the cause of death.
Of the confirmed measles cases in Texas, only five patients had received at least one dose of the MMR vaccine. Eighty were confirmed unvaccinated, and 138 had an unknown vaccination status. Health authorities emphasize that the MMR vaccine remains the best protection, offering approximately 97% effectiveness after two doses. The vaccine is typically administered in early childhood, with the first dose at 12 to 15 months and the second dose at age four to six years. Adults without proof of immunity are recommended to receive one or two doses, depending on their specific risk factors.
Kennedy, known for expressing skepticism about vaccines, stated that while he supports vaccine availability, he firmly opposes making vaccinations mandatory. Kennedy argued for individual choice, stating that “if people don’t want it, the government shouldn’t force them to do it.”
Kennedy also highlighted potential adverse events associated with vaccines, asserting that the measles vaccine “causes all the illnesses that measles itself cause.” Health officials, however, stress that vaccine side effects are minimal and far less severe compared to the risks of the actual disease, which can lead to complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and even death.
Despite Kennedy’s skepticism, he did concede during the same interview that the measles vaccine stops the spread of the disease.
Globally, measles cases rose by 20% in 2023 compared to the previous year, underscoring increasing concerns about declining vaccination rates worldwide. In the United States, officials have noted vaccine hesitancy as a growing public health challenge, exacerbated by misinformation campaigns online.
The issue extends internationally. In Samoa, health officials have sharply criticized Kennedy over statements he made about the country’s devastating 2019 measles outbreak, which resulted in 83 deaths, primarily children under five. Kennedy had questioned whether those deaths were actually due to measles, leading to strong criticism from Samoan health officials.
Dr. Alec Ekeroma, Samoa’s Director-General of Health, described Kennedy’s comments as a “huge denial,” adding that if Kennedy assumed a more influential health role in the U.S., it could threaten vaccine accessibility for smaller countries. “It would be a danger to us, a danger to everyone,” Ekeroma stated.
In response to the U.S. outbreaks, public health officials in Texas and New Mexico are actively engaging communities to improve vaccination rates. They are also encouraging individuals to verify their own and their children’s vaccination statuses, particularly if traveling to or residing in affected regions.
Dr. Tammy Camp, a health official from Texas, explained that vaccination hesitancy has increased partly due to political influence from anti-vaccine groups, which has complicated the outbreak response efforts.
According to a recent Johns Hopkins report, misinformation about vaccines and a rise in non-medical exemptions for school vaccinations have contributed significantly to outbreaks in various U.S. regions, making it challenging for health departments to contain the spread.
Nationally, the CDC reports 222 measles cases in 12 jurisdictions as of early March 2025. Of these, 93% are associated with outbreaks, predominantly affecting unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals.
Public health officials emphasize that maintaining high vaccination coverage—above 94%—is essential to achieve community immunity, reducing the risk of outbreaks.
