New research from Johns Hopkins University shows that Americans engaging with ‘new right’ fringe media outlets like Breitbart and Newsmax are more than twice as likely to express skepticism toward the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The study surveyed respondents, finding that 17% believe the harms of the vaccine outweigh its benefits. This correlation highlights the influence of media consumption on public health attitudes.
Key Points
- Engagement with fringe right-wing media doubles MMR vaccine skepticism.
- 17% of respondents view vaccine harms as outweighing benefits.
- Study focuses on outlets like Breitbart and Newsmax.
Implications for Educational Freedom
This research underscores potential government overreach in vaccine mandates for school attendance, empowering parents to advocate for choice in education settings free from such requirements. It may bolster arguments for school choice options like charters or vouchers that respect parental rights on health decisions.
Source: Researchers Find Strong Link Between Vax Hesitancy and ‘Fringe’ Right-Wing Media
