Majority of Americans Support MMR Vaccine Mandates for Public Schools, New Survey Finds

A recent survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center reveals that a significant majority of Americans now favor implementing MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine requirements for children attending public schools. The study, conducted from April 15 to April 28, 2025, among a nationally representative panel of 1,653 U.S. adults, shows a notable increase in support for vaccination mandates since previous surveys. About 70% of respondents believe that children should be required to receive the MMR vaccine to attend public schools, citing the importance of protecting other children and the wider community from vaccine-preventable diseases. This is a rise from 63% in August 2023, illustrating growing public backing for stricter immunization policies.

The survey results indicate that only 18% of adults hold the view that parents should have the choice to vaccinate their children regardless of health risks to others. The shift in opinion reflects increased awareness and concern about the risks associated with vaccine hesitancy and the resurgence of preventable diseases like measles.

This trend is reinforced by recent political and health discussions, including a report from the Trump administration's Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission, which advocates for reevaluating childhood vaccine schedules and promoting informed parental decision-making. The report suggests that feelings of uncertainty about vaccine safety and concerns about chronic childhood illnesses continue to influence public attitudes.

In addition, social media reinforces the widespread consensus, with comments from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who emphasized that the most effective way to prevent measles is through the MMR vaccine, although he also stated that vaccination should not be federally mandated.

Overall, the findings underscore a growing public consensus in favor of vaccine requirements in schools, highlighting the importance of continued efforts to educate and inform parents on the benefits and safety of childhood vaccines to prevent outbreaks of diseases like measles, mumps, and rubella.