Northeastern University public health experts were relieved to see Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an avowed vaccine skeptic, post on X that “the most effective way to prevent measles is the MMR vaccine.”
They say it sends a strong message in the midst of a measles outbreak that has sickened more than 600 people this year, hospitalized more than 50 and killed at least two people, including unvaccinated schoolchildren in Texas.
What would make the post even more effective is personal stories from the families who lost children to measles, or from individuals who survived hospitalization, says Elizabeth Glowacki, a Northeastern assistant teaching professor who focuses on health communication, message design, persuasion and mobile health.
“The new messaging from (Kennedy) will be helpful for encouraging people to perhaps reconsider vaccines if they are hesitant,” Glowacki says.
But more needs to be done to frame the message, she says.
“Another effective method potentially could be focusing on the stories of these individuals who are living it,” Glowacki says. “Featuring the stories of families who lost children can be particularly effective. Whenever something happens, if children are sadly affected by it, I think that captures the public’s attention.”
Neil Maniar, director of Northeastern’s master of public health program, says he is happy to see evidence-based public health information is once again being promoted to help address the measles crisis.
