By Nafiso Ahmed for Runta News-Columbus, Ohio
Vaccine skepticism is increasing in the United States. A 2025 poll by Kaiser Family Foundation and The Washington Post found that 16% of parents have delayed or skipped recommended vaccines for their children. Health experts warn that this could lead to more outbreaks of diseases like measles and whooping cough.
Pediatrician and public health expert Rich Bessar said vaccines are one of the most effective ways to protect children from serious diseases. During his time working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, he saw how vaccines helped reduce many dangerous illnesses.
This issue can especially affect immigrant communities, including Somali families in the U.S. Some immigrants may avoid going to clinics because they fear immigration enforcement or worry about sharing personal information. Language barriers and misinformation can also make it harder for families to trust vaccine information.
For example, if fewer children are vaccinated in a community, diseases like measles can spread quickly in schools or neighborhoods. In some communities in the U.S., measles outbreaks have already happened when vaccination rates dropped.
Experts say community leaders, doctors, and organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics can help by sharing clear information and encouraging families to ask questions about vaccines.
