Two former Republican physicians who served in Congress are warning that the measles resurgence is becoming a political problem for their party. In a STAT First Opinion essay, Larry Bucshon and Michael C. Burgess argue that mixed messaging on vaccines is driving away voters who might otherwise support Republican candidates.
Bucshon and Burgess cite federal data showing more than 4,000 measles cases in the U.S. this year, the highest annual total since 1991, with six deaths and more than one in ten patients hospitalized. They also reference a KFF poll in which over 60% of voters disapprove of the administration's vaccine policy, and Democrats hold a 16-point trust advantage over Republicans on the issue.
The authors acknowledge that President Trump has supported vaccines but note he has also promoted misinformation and signed an executive order to slim down the childhood vaccine schedule. They point to a Republican polling memo warning that undermining vaccines would cost votes, and they call on GOP candidates to clearly support vaccine access and dependable information from physicians.