Another Child Has Died from Measles in Texas. It Didn't Have to Happen.
Hi Community,
This morning brought more devastating news: another child has died from measles in Texas.
It’s the second pediatric death in a fast-growing outbreak that has already sickened nearly 500 people this year. An adult in New Mexico also died earlier this year. These are the first U.S. measles deaths in over a decade—and every one of them was preventable.
To make matters worse, the head of our federal health system, who for years has been a leading figure in the anti-vaccine movement that helped sow the doubt and delay fueling this outbreak, is reportedly attending the child’s funeral.
All of this is happening as:
Abrupt public health funding cuts shut down measles vaccination clinics and community outreach.
Research to improve vaccine access, trust, and uptake is being defunded.
Evidence-based vaccine messaging is being silenced, distorted, or politicized—while misinformation spreads unchecked, sometimes fueled by the very leaders tasked with protecting public health.
Meanwhile, children are dying. Communities are grieving.
When we fail to act, viruses like measles always win.
But we are not powerless. We must respond—with urgency, clarity, and compassion.
Speak up—firmly but without hostility—about how the actions and inaction of federal health leaders are putting lives at risk. Demand accountability for the harm happening on their watch. And talk with your communities with empathy and honesty about the life-saving power of vaccines.
Because lives depend on it.
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Community Immunity is a newsletter dedicated to vaccines, policy, and public health, offering clear science and meaningful conversations for health professionals, science communicators, policymakers, and anyone who wants to stay informed. This newsletter is free for everyone, and I want it to be a conversation, not just a broadcast. I’d love to hear your feedback, questions, and topic suggestions—let me know what’s on your mind! And if you find this valuable, please help spread the word!