Blamed for the nation’s historic measles outbreak, West Texas Mennonites have hardened their views on vaccines
HPPR••general
Key Points:
- A measles outbreak in Seminole, Texas, primarily affecting the local Mennonite community with low vaccination rates, sickened at least 762 people statewide and killed two children, marking the largest U.S. outbreak in over 35 years.
- Many Mennonites, historically distrustful of government and vaccine mandates, chose natural immunity over vaccination, leading to widespread illness but little change in their vaccine hesitancy or trust in public health authorities.
- The outbreak intensified tensions between the community and health officials, with Mennonites feeling unfairly blamed and scrutinized, while some local health workers emphasize the need for culturally sensitive communication to improve vaccine acceptance.
- Despite the outbreak, some community members like John Peters, who survived leukemia, advocate for vaccination
