In recent months, measles has reemerged as a growing public health concern in the United States. Once declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, the disease is making a troubling comeback. As of mid-2025, the number of measles cases has already exceeded annual totals seen in recent years, with outbreaks reported in multiple states and transmission occurring in both urban and rural settings. The disease, which is highly contagious and can lead to severe complications, is particularly threatening to communal environments—such as college campuses—where close quarters, frequent travel, and dense interactions create a perfect storm for rapid spread.
At the same time, the national conversation around vaccines is being reshaped by developments in federal leadership. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a known vaccine skeptic, has made statements and policy shifts that have unsettled many in the public health community. Meanwhile, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)—the federal body that develops vaccine recommendations—has undergone a significant turnover in membership. These changes have stoked fears that long-standing, evidence-based vaccine policies may be undermined or diluted, emboldening anti-vaccine sentiment and contributing to confusion and mistrust among the public.
Colleges and universities now find themselves at a critical crossroads: to act as passive observers amid rising health threats and national discord, or to assert leadership in protecting campus communities through strong, science-based vaccine policies and practices. The choice should be clear.
The role of colleges in preventing measles outbreaks
Institutions of higher education have long played a critical role in promoting student health. Measles, however, represents a particularly urgent threat. One infected individual can transmit the virus to up to 90% of nearby susceptible individuals, and symptoms may not appear until days after exposure, by which time it may be too late to prevent broader transmission.
Many colleges already require proof of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccination as a condition of enrollment, a practice that has proven effective in keeping outbreaks at bay. But in the current climate, these baseline measures may not be enough. A comprehensive and proactive approach is needed—one that goes beyond checking vaccine records and responds directly to the broader cultural and political challenges we face.
Combating misinformation and vaccine hesitancy
The proliferation of vaccine misinformation has eroded public trust in ways that were unthinkable just a decade ago. Social media platforms, politicized rhetoric, and even statements from public officials have contributed to growing skepticism, particularly among younger adults. The shifting composition of ACIP and statements from HHS leadership have only added fuel to the fire.
Colleges and universities can help counteract these dynamics by serving as trusted sources of accurate information. Campus health centers, faculty experts in public health, and peer health educators can work together to provide students with reliable, evidence-based facts about vaccine safety and effectiveness. Whether through digital campaigns, classroom integration, or in-person discussions, institutions can help immunize students not just against disease, but against disinformation.
Making vaccination easy and equitable
Education must be paired with access. Many students may be unsure of their vaccination status, may have missed recommended doses, or may face logistical or financial barriers to getting vaccinated. Campus-based vaccination efforts—particularly those that are free, low-barrier, and conveniently located—can make a major difference.
Evidence-based interventions, such as electronic reminders, standing orders for nurses to administer vaccines without a physician’s direct involvement, or bundling vaccines into routine wellness visits, have all been shown to increase uptake. Partnerships with local health departments, pharmacies, or insurers can help institutions expand their reach and capacity.
Further, colleges can take the lead in normalizing vaccination as a routine part of campus life. Vaccine clinics should be as visible and accessible as flu shot pop-ups or mental health fairs. Orientation materials and student portals can reinforce vaccine requirements and timelines. Instructors and student leaders can help model responsible health behavior, reminding peers that vaccines are not just about personal protection—they are about community well-being.
Measles as a red flag
The current measles outbreak, which while concerning in and of itself, raises multiple cautionary red flags for the broader public landscape. In their July 11th Your Local Epidemiologist blog post, Katelyn Jetelina and Kristen Panthagani, MD, PHD note that “the alarm isn’t just about the risk of measles. (93% of Americans are at low risk because of immunity.) It’s about what measles represents.” They go on to say that, “For those of us in public health and medicine, this outbreak is more than an infectious disease flare-up. It’s a symbol of broken trust, eroded progress, rise of individualism replacing collective good, and a system that is cracking under the weight of disinvestment and distrust.” For those of us in college health, it is a time to step up and lead.
A Moment for Leadership
The broader political moment calls for clarity and courage from institutions that serve the next generation. While federal voices may cast doubt, colleges can reaffirm their commitment to science, evidence, and the health of their communities. They can demonstrate that protecting one another is not a partisan act but a public responsibility.
It is easy to feel discouraged by national trends. But at the campus level, colleges have the authority—and the opportunity—to shape a different narrative. One where proactive vaccine policies, honest communication, and easy access to preventive care make a measurable difference in the health and safety of students.
Let us not wait for another major outbreak to remind us of the consequences of inaction. The time for colleges and universities to lead on vaccine protection is now.
Sources:
CDC (2025, July 23).Measles Cases and Outbreaks. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/index.html
Washington Post (2025, July 7). U.S. Measles cases climb to 33-year high as outbreaks spread. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/07/07/measles-cases-hit-record/.
Jetleina, K., Panthangani, K. (2025, July 11). It’s not just about measles. Retrieved from https://yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/p/its-not-just-about-measles
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