Vaccine Openness Grows Amid Historic Measles Outbreak in Pennsylvania’s Amish Regions

Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, home to the largest Amish population in the U.S., is experiencing the nation’s most significant measles outbreak in 35 years. The outbreak has seen Pennsylvania record over 1,350 cases this year, with a substantial number originating from Lancaster. While vaccination rates typically remain lower among the Amish due to cultural habits, many are showing an increased willingness to receive vaccines in light of the outbreak.

Health officials, such as Dr. Anne-Marie Derrico from Union Community Care, emphasized the importance of community interconnectedness, as Plain communities regularly interact with the wider public. Union has responded by organizing small vaccine clinics that have administered around 450 measles vaccinations, while encouraging earlier immunizations for infants. Amidst varied attitudes toward vaccines, driven by historical circumstances and recent reactions to COVID-19 measures, the outbreak is prompting discussions about public health and vaccine acceptance.