Donald Trump and Health Secretary RFK Jr. are both known for doling out dangerous medical opinions, including the latter’s anti-vaccine advocacy. Now some Philadelphia kindergarteners may be in jeopardy as the group’s measles vaccine rates fall below the so-called “community immunity” threshold. To work, vaccines depend upon a significant majority of people in the community taking them. When too many people go unvaccinated, the entire group stands at a heightened risk of illness. Now it may be the kindergarteners and the least privileged in Philadelphia who suffer.
Falling Vaccine Rates Raise Worries In Philly Area
The spread of the disease across the U.S. is an immediate concern. As of March 13, there were a total of 301 confirmed measles cases reported across the following areas: Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, New York State, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont, and Washington, according to CDC reports. LA saw its first case of measles in 2025 on March 5th. Texas (the largest outbreak site) has over 220 reported cases. Falling measles vaccine rates are bad news in Philadelphia as they would be anywhere.
Keeping children healthy in America is a difficult and expensive task. It only becomes more challenging when the government impedes the ability of health agencies to do their job. A Reddit post by u/AbsentEmpire about the vaccine rates garnered numerous concerned comments. As one commenter said, “I am glad I don’t have kids. I feel bad for responsible parents whose kids will now be at risk.” Another focused on those parents who choose not to vaccinate their children, saying,
These ignorant parents will kill people in their wake. They shouldn’t get to rely on modern medicine. They want to live in the stone age then they can stay there. [sic]
There’s a shared social responsibility to keep one another safe from disease. Trump officials undermine that responsibility when they contribute to anti-vaccine conspiracies, as RFK Jr. has done. It’s a political issue that becomes intensely personal when the lives of children are at stake, as they now are in Philadelphia. With community effort, however, the worst outcomes might still be avoided.
