Yes, Measles Are BACK in the U.S. — RFK Jr.’s DANGEROUS Anti-Vaccine Rhetoric to Blame

Episode Title: Why Measles is Making a Comeback in the U.S. — And How Anti-Vaccine Rhetoric is to Blame

Welcome back to The Josh Lafazan Show! In today’s episode, we’re tackling one of the most pressing public health crises facing the U.S. today: the return of measles. After 25 years of the disease being officially eliminated in the United States, measles cases have surged to the highest levels in decades. And the rise of anti-vaccine rhetoric — particularly from figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. — is playing a key role in this resurgence.

We’ll break down:

Why measles and other preventable diseases are coming back

How RFK Jr.'s anti-vaccine movement is undermining public trust

The dangerous conspiracy theories fueling vaccine hesitancy

How we can fight back against this growing health crisis

Let’s break it down 👇

Segment 1: Why Measles Was Eliminated—and Why It’s Back

Measles was officially declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000 thanks to widespread vaccination efforts, specifically the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella). However, as vaccination rates have declined, we’ve seen a sharp rise in measles cases — over 1,200 cases reported in 2025 alone.

Why is this happening?

The key culprit is declining vaccination rates. Health experts say that herd immunity, which requires about 95% of the population to be vaccinated, has fallen below this threshold. This has left millions of vulnerable individuals at risk for preventable diseases like measles.

Segment 2: The Role of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in Spreading Misinformation

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has become one of the most prominent anti-vaccine voices in America. As the founder of the Children’s Health Defense, RFK Jr. has long spread dangerous misinformation about vaccines, claiming they cause autism despite extensive research debunking this theory.

How is RFK Jr. making things worse?

He removed vaccine experts from his organization who challenged his views.

He has consistently pushed baseless claims that the CDC is hiding data and that vaccines contain toxic chemicals.

His rhetoric has fueled vaccine hesitancy across the country, contributing to the decline in immunization rates and the resurgence of diseases like measles.

Dangerous Impact:
RFK Jr.’s views are not just wrong — they’re deadly. His anti-vaccine crusade directly contributes to public health crises, as we’re now seeing with measles. By undermining trust in vaccines, he is putting millions of lives at risk.

Segment 3: Debunking Vaccine Misinformation

Let’s set the record straight: vaccines are safe and effective.

The MMR vaccine, specifically, prevents measles, mumps, and rubella — all of which can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, brain swelling, and death. The vaccine is more than 95% effective, meaning that the vast majority of people who get vaccinated will be protected.

Debunking RFK Jr.’s Claims:

Claim: Vaccines cause autism. Fact: Numerous studies have debunked this theory. No credible scientific evidence supports this claim.

Claim: Vaccines are unsafe. Fact: Vaccines are thoroughly tested for safety and efficacy before being approved.

Claim: Natural immunity is better than vaccines. Fact: Natural immunity can leave individuals vulnerable to complications, whereas vaccines offer a safer, more effective path to immunity.

Segment 4: The Return of Other Vaccine-Preventable Diseases

Measles isn’t the only disease making a comeback. As vaccine coverage declines, diseases like whooping cough, mumps, and rubella are also seeing a resurgence.

Key Stats:

Whooping Cough (Pertussis): The U.S. saw over 15,000 cases in 2023, nearly doubling the previous year’s numbers.

Mumps: Cases have increased by 500% over the last decade, with a 70% rise in 2024 alone.

These diseases are preventable with vaccines, and their return is directly tied to the decrease in vaccination rates. The resurgence of these diseases is especially dangerous for children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

Segment 5: What Needs to Happen Now

To combat this crisis and protect public health, several actions need to be taken:

Restore Trust in Vaccines: Public health officials must work harder to educate the public about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines. Consistent, clear messaging from trusted sources is key.

Increase Vaccination Rates: It’s critical to make vaccines more accessible and affordable. Policies should ensure vaccines are widely available, especially in underserved areas.

Hold Leaders Accountable: Public figures like RFK Jr., who spread harmful misinformation, must be held accountable. Health officials need to actively challenge these dangerous narratives.

Promote Science-Based Health Policies: Health policies should be driven by evidence, not personal beliefs or political agendas. It’s crucial that public health strategies are rooted in sound science.

Conclusion:

The resurgence of measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases highlights the dangerous consequences of misinformation. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s anti-vaccine campaign has directly contributed to this public health crisis, putting millions at risk. It’s time to fight back against the lies, restore trust in vaccines, and protect the future of public health.

What do YOU think?

How can we combat the spread of vaccine misinformation?

What actions should be taken to prevent further outbreaks of preventable diseases?

How can public health leaders regain the trust of communities impacted by misinformation?