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Study foresees heightened measles epidemic risk for Florida

A University of Maryland study predicts that repealing Florida's measles vaccine mandate could spark the largest measles epidemic in the US in nearly 500 years. The study shows that even without mandate removal, Florida's vaccine-induced herd immunity threshold is below the level needed to protect against sustained transmission.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 28, 2026

New Mexico measles outbreak estimated to cost $5.4 million, with substantial costs accrued from vaccination-related activities

A cost analysis of the 2025 New Mexico measles outbreak found it carried an estimated societal cost of $5.4 million, with vaccination-related activities accounting for about $2.1 million. The findings underscore the importance of maintaining strong vaccination coverage to prevent future outbreaks.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateAug 3, 2026

Antivaccine legislation is rising rapidly in US states, driven primarily by GOP push

A new study reveals that Republican lawmakers sponsored 86% of antivaccine bills introduced in state legislatures after the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers supported provaccine bills, highlighting partisan polarization's impact on vaccine access and public health.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateJul 17, 2026

Armed conflict is associated with an increased measles burden, both directly and indirectly through associations with lower socioeconomic development and greater population displacement, according to modelling study across 193 countries from 2000-2023

A modelling study across 193 countries found armed conflict is associated with a higher measles burden. The study also suggests that conflict has an indirect impact on the spread of measles through its effects on lower socioeconomic development and greater population displacement.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 25, 2026

European Immunization Week 2026, For every generation, vaccines work: three countries reach 90% HPV vaccination target as Europe steps up action on cancer prevention

Three European countries reach 90% HPV vaccination coverage among girls by age 15, marking progress in cervical cancer prevention. HPV vaccination programmes show significant reductions in infections and precancerous lesions, with early administration increasing full protective potential.

As measles cases rise, views of MMR vaccine safety and effectiveness -- and willingness to recommend it -- drop

A new survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds a small but significant drop in the proportion of the public that would recommend getting the MMR vaccine, citing concerns over its safety and effectiveness. The survey also shows declines in perceived safety and effectiveness for other vaccines, such as seasonal flu and Covid-19.

Predicting disease outbreaks using social media

A new approach developed by University of Waterloo researchers uses social media posts to identify early warning signs of increasing vaccine skepticism. This method can detect patterns in data much more effectively than traditional methods, providing a bigger lead time before an outbreak occurs.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalMathematical Biosciences and Engineering·DateNov 18, 2025

Measles immunity 90% in BC’s Lower Mainland

A recent study found that 90% of people in BC's Lower Mainland have detectable antibodies against measles, indicating high vaccine coverage and population protection. However, the study also found lower immunity rates among older adults, with only 75% of those aged 20-39 having measurable antibodies.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateOct 14, 2025

Drop in childhood vaccination coverage: Dutch study identifies trends driven by socioeconomic factors

A Dutch study found that vaccination coverage among children declined faster in households with lower income and those not attending daycare. The study, which analyzed over 2 million children, identified sociodemographic factors contributing to the decline, including parental education and migration background.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 9, 2025

Protecting the protectors: as measles cases surge, how can we help healthcare workers get vaccinated?

A study explores barriers to measles vaccination among female healthcare workers in a London hospital. The findings highlight low knowledge of measles and its complications, as well as concerns about the vaccine's link to autism. The article argues that ensuring healthcare workers are aware of their vaccination status, providing better...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateSep 26, 2025

Most Americans favor MMR vaccine requirement for public school, Annenberg survey finds

A recent Annenberg Public Policy Center survey found that 70% of the public supports vaccine requirements for MMR in schools. The percentage increased from 63% in August 2023. The survey also showed that over 7 in 10 U.S. adults support a policy making it mandatory for parents to vaccinate their children against preventable diseases.

New study reveals bats are key players in cross-species spread of morbilliviruses

A new study finds that bats are a reservoir for morbilliviruses, including the human measles virus, and can transmit them to other mammalian species, such as monkeys. The research suggests that these viruses have crossed species boundaries multiple times, posing a significant threat to human health and livestock.

SourceGerman Center for Infection Research·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2025

European Immunization Week 2025: Inequalities in immunisation against measles could contribute to outbreaks

Research reveals inequalities in MMR vaccination that may contribute to measles outbreaks and epidemics. In France, vaccines were dispensed later for children from low-income families, while a UK investigation found that deprived communities and some ethnic groups were more affected by the outbreak and less likely to be vaccinated.

Most Americans favor school vaccination requirements, but support is rising for opt-out options

A new survey finds that nearly three-quarters of US adults support requiring children to be vaccinated against preventable diseases, while over half support prohibiting unvaccinated children from attending school. However, support for this prohibition has dropped significantly since the Covid-19 pandemic, and there is growing support f...

The Lancet Public Health: MMR vaccine remains the best protection against measles - modelling study in England suggests level of protection decreases slightly over time

A modelling study suggests that slow waning of MMR vaccine-induced immunity may contribute to rising measles cases in double-vaccinated people. However, the MMR vaccine remains the most effective measure to prevent measles infection, and community vaccination levels above 95% are essential to prevent outbreaks.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 26, 2024

COVID-19: How effective was contact tracing?

A study published in EuroSurveillance found that 40% of COVID-19 infected individuals were identified through contact tracing, with socio-economic factors influencing reporting rates. The effectiveness of contact tracing alone was relative, but its psychological impact on the population should not be overlooked.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeNews article·DateJan 30, 2024