Vaccines have revolutionized public health, bordering on miraculous for many once-feared diseases like measles, mumps, and polio. Back in the early to mid-20th century, scientists developed groundbreaking vaccines that drastically lowered the incidence of these illnesses, diseases that historically claimed millions of lives.

The evolution of vaccines, alongside other advancements like sanitized water and antibiotics, has helped cultivate a new era of modern medicine. The United States was at the forefront of this healthcare revolution, an achievement that significantly contributed to increased life expectancy and economic prosperity following World War II. At the helm of this medical breakthrough was Maurice Hilleman, often referred to as the father of modern vaccines. His work in the 1950s and 60s led to the development of crucial immunizations including those for flu, hepatitis, and the combined measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which quickly became staples of preventive health in American society.

Take for instance smallpox, a disease that recorded a staggering 30% fatality rate in its most common form; it has been eradicated entirely thanks to widespread vaccination programs. Mitch McConnell, a notable Republican figure, stands as one of the last public figures affected by polio, a disease which paralyzed President Franklin D. Roosevelt less than a century ago. Historical data reveals that measles was a devastating illness in the 19th century, infecting millions and causing hundreds of deaths annually prior to the vaccine rollout. In fact, in the early 1990s, measles claimed thousands of lives each year in the U.S. alone.

Despite the remarkable successes of vaccines, a troubling trend has emerged: many Americans are beginning to lose faith in their efficacy. This skepticism may intensify with the potential installment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent vaccine skeptic, as head of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under President-elect Donald Trump. Kennedy has long propagated discredited theories linking vaccines to autism and has been involved with anti-vaccine efforts globally, influencing vaccination rates dramatically in places like Samoa during a deadly measles outbreak.

In a statement following Trump’s election, Kennedy declared that he would not "take away anybody’s vaccines," opting instead to curate information on vaccine safety. However, the overwhelming body of scientific research has thoroughly exonerated vaccines from the claims of adverse effects he highlights. Concerns abound that his appointment may lend credibility to anti-vaccine sentiments and increase public ambivalence toward this critical aspect of public health.

As public health measures become increasingly politicized, vaccination rates have taken a significant hit. During the 2019-2020 school year, three states reported less than 90% vaccination coverage among students for MMR, a number that swelled to fourteen states by the 2023-2024 school year. Alarmingly, the proportion of states achieving the ideal 95% vaccination threshold dropped from 20 to 11 in the same period.

This trend comes at a perilous time, as cases of measles in the U.S. have soared more than fourfold from 2023 to 2024. While no measles-related fatalities have occurred since 2015, declining vaccination rates could lead to devastating consequences. Measles is highly contagious, with one infected individual potentially transmitting it to over a dozen others, thus escalating the risk of outbreak and, tragically, the possibility of children succumbing to the disease.

The solution to this looming crisis is clear: we have safe and effective vaccines that have been available for decades. The imperative now is to continue their use and foster a robust public health approach that emphasizes the importance of vaccinations. The stakes are too high – the health of our children and the integrity of public health systems depend on it. Let’s not take a step back in our fight against these preventable diseases.