Percentage of adults in the United States who thought getting the measles vaccine is more dangerous than becoming infected with measles in 2024 and 2025
Characteristic
Mar 2024
Apr 2025
Net true
19%
19%
Heard or read the false claim*
18%
33%
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A survey of adults in the United States from 2024 and 2025 found that almost 20 percent thought it was definitely true or probably true that getting the measles vaccine is more dangerous than becoming infected with measles. However, this statement is false. Misinformation about the measles vaccine has been spreading, as a third of respondents have heard or read this false statement in 2025 compared to just 18 percent the year prior.
Measles is a highly contagious disease that is especially dangerous for children. Vaccinations against measles are safe and effective and have resulted in a significant decrease in measles cases and deaths in the United States. Vaccine hesitancy and skepticism have been blamed for an increasing number of measles outbreaks lately.
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KFF. (April 23, 2025). Percentage of adults in the United States who thought getting the measles vaccine is more dangerous than becoming infected with measles in 2024 and 2025 [Graph]. In ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Retrieved August 04, 2026, from /statistics/1560956/measles-vaccine-more-dangerous-than-measles-us-adults/
KFF. "Percentage of adults in the United States who thought getting the measles vaccine is more dangerous than becoming infected with measles in 2024 and 2025." Chart. April 23, 2025. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Accessed August 04, 2026. /statistics/1560956/measles-vaccine-more-dangerous-than-measles-us-adults/
KFF. (2025). Percentage of adults in the United States who thought getting the measles vaccine is more dangerous than becoming infected with measles in 2024 and 2025. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc.. Accessed: August 04, 2026. /statistics/1560956/measles-vaccine-more-dangerous-than-measles-us-adults/
KFF. "Percentage of Adults in The United States Who Thought Getting The Measles Vaccine Is More Dangerous than Becoming Infected with Measles in 2024 and 2025." ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc., 23 Apr 2025, /statistics/1560956/measles-vaccine-more-dangerous-than-measles-us-adults/
KFF, Percentage of adults in the United States who thought getting the measles vaccine is more dangerous than becoming infected with measles in 2024 and 2025 ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, /statistics/1560956/measles-vaccine-more-dangerous-than-measles-us-adults/ (last visited August 04, 2026)
Percentage of adults in the United States who thought getting the measles vaccine is more dangerous than becoming infected with measles in 2024 and 2025 [Graph], KFF, April 23, 2025. [Online]. Available: /statistics/1560956/measles-vaccine-more-dangerous-than-measles-us-adults/
