Using secure email to combat the recent Texas measles outbreak

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) recently reported, “146 confirmed cases since late January 2025, primarily in the South Plains region.” This outbreak has resulted in the first measles-related death in over a decade.

Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads through respiratory droplets. Early symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a characteristic rash. Severe complications like pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death make vaccination critical.  

According to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s recent call to action, “79 of the confirmed cases involved individuals who had not received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, while 62 cases had unknown vaccine status. At least five had received an MMR vaccine.”

However, before vaccines wernoe introduced, “on average there were 530,217 confirmed cases and 440 deaths annually in the United States.”

So, why aren’t more people getting vaccinated?

Vaccine hesitancy

Vaccine hesitancy has fueled the resurgence of measles, with over 100,000 cases reported in Europe in 2019 and the disease re-emerging in the United States nearly two decades after it was declared eliminated.

According to Current Opinion in Virology, we must combat vaccine hesitancy and other 21st-century social determinants in the global fight against measles.

More specifically, the authors note, “Three major elements currently [comprising] the American antivaccine movement, including a media empire, a political arm, and deliberate predatory behavior.”

How misinformation fuels vaccine hesitancy

As measles cases surge in places like Texas, false narratives about vaccines continue to spread. 

“One recurring narrative falsely claims that Black children should follow a different vaccine schedule than children of other races because of alleged differences in immune systems,” according to KFF’s report on race-based vaccine myths. While studies have shown variations in immune response to certain vaccines, experts confirm these findings do not justify different vaccine schedules. 

Ultimately, the proliferation of such misinformation, amplified by social media, undermines public confidence in immunization efforts.

The impact of digital misinformation

Misinformation about vaccines, particularly claims that MMR vaccines cause autism, has eroded public trust. Despite overwhelming scientific evidence disproving these claims, they persist. 

For example, “Narratives linking vaccines to autism in Black children have also gained traction, sometimes citing a retracted study of 2004 CDC data.” Other discredited studies, like the ‘Mawson Study,’ are often referenced despite lacking peer review and credible methodology.

According to the KFF January 2025 Tracking Poll:

• 82% of parents say they keep their children up to date on vaccinations.
• 76% support public schools requiring vaccines.
• 72% believe the benefits of childhood MMR vaccines outweigh the risks.
• 33% think it is ‘definitely’ or ‘probably true’ that MMR vaccines have been proven to cause autism.

Overcoming vaccine hesitancy

Current perspectives on the growing need for implementing digital communication strategies state that vaccine hesitancy is one of the top ten risks for global health.

This research also notes that reliable digital communication strategies can help counteract misinformation. “Mass communication integrated into public health policies is fundamental to sway people’s positive attitudes toward vaccination.”

Healthcare organizations and providers can use digital communication tools to monitor vaccine-related discourse, address misinformation, and provide factual content.

Health experts recommend:

• Monitoring public concerns online.
• Integrating digital strategies into immunization programs.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
• Developing content that balances scientific accuracy with accessible language.

The HHS Secretary adds, “The decision to vaccinate is a personal one, [as] vaccines [protect] individual children from measles, [and] contribute to community immunity, protecting those who are unable to be vaccinated due to medical reasons.”

“All parents should consult with their healthcare providers to understand their options to get the MMR vaccine.”

Healthcare providers must provide accurate information about the benefits and risks of vaccination while addressing any concerns. Giving parents research-backed guidance helps them make informed decisions that protect their children and communities.

HIPAA compliant email solutions, like Paubox, can bridge the gap between healthcare professionals and patients. It allows research-backed vaccine information to reach the public without interference from misinformation campaigns. HIPAA compliant emails deliver the information directly to parents’ inboxes, while protecting patient privacy.

Addressing vaccine hesitancy through trusted communication

HIPAA compliant emails use advanced security measures, like access controls, auditing, and automatic encryption, to safeguard individuals’ protected health information (PHI), including their vaccination records.

HIPAA compliant emails can help providers:

• Reduce reliance on social media for vaccine information.
• Address patient concerns privately and securely.
• Reinforce the importance of childhood vaccinations to prevent outbreaks.
• Provide timely updates on new vaccine recommendations, safety measures, and policy changes.
• Improve vaccine adherence through scheduled reminders and follow-ups.
• Distribute educational materials, like fact sheets and FAQs, in a secure and accessible format.
• Facilitate bidirectional communication so patients can easily ask questions and receive evidence-based responses.
• Improve community outreach by sharing vaccine clinic locations and schedules.

Share accurate information securely

Misinformation about vaccines spreads rapidly on social media, where misleading claims thrive due to algorithms that amplify engagement. Instead, healthcare providers must use HIPAA compliant emails to distribute peer-reviewed studies and official guidelines directly to parents. 

Additionally, providers must clarify that “race is a social construct, not a biological category,” as explained by Samantha Artiga, Vice President and Director for the Racial Equity and Health Policy Program at KFF.

For example, if a parent asks whether their child needs a different vaccine schedule based on their race, healthcare providers can securely email them explaining that there is no scientific basis for changing vaccine schedules based on race and that all children should follow the same recommended vaccination schedule.

Go deeper: How social media perpetuates health misinformation 

Personalize vaccine communication

HIPAA compliant email allows healthcare providers to personalize vaccine communication based on a patient’s medical history, age, and risk factors. Tailoring messages in this way could boost engagement and improve adherence to recommended vaccine schedules.

For example, pediatricians can send reminders to parents of children approaching vaccination milestones. For example, a family with an infant due for their first MMR dose at 12 months could receive an email explaining the vaccine’s safety, effectiveness, and necessity, along with resources addressing common concerns. 

Similarly, adults traveling to regions with active measles outbreaks can receive tailored messages encouraging them to receive booster shots.

Personalized vaccine communication also benefits immunocompromised individuals who might need additional precautions. Providers can use encrypted email to educate these patients on community immunity and their heightened risk if exposed to vaccine-preventable diseases. 

Provide a direct line of contact

Vaccine-hesitant individuals can use HIPAA compliant email to get clarification on vaccine safety, effectiveness, and scheduling. 

Let’s say a parent finds conflicting information online about vaccine ingredients. Instead of relying on internet forums, they can email their provider directly to receive a science-based response where their concerns are taken seriously.

Additionally, HIPAA compliant email can facilitate ongoing conversations about vaccine updates, policy changes, and emerging health threats. During the Texas measles outbreak, local healthcare providers could use secure email to notify at-risk populations, explain exposure risks, and provide vaccination clinic schedules.

Ultimately, integrating encrypted email into vaccine outreach can address misinformation at its source, provide targeted education, and create an open dialogue that encourages informed decision-making.

Track and monitor vaccine progress

Healthcare providers can use HIPAA compliant emails to track and monitor patients' vaccine progress, offering timely updates on doses administered and upcoming requirements. These emails can also help parents keep a record of their children’s vaccine status and help providers identify any gaps in vaccination coverage.

For example, after a patient receives an initial dose of a vaccine, a secure email can be sent to confirm the administration and provide details about when the next dose is due. For children, providers can send parents a schedule of upcoming immunizations based on the child’s age and health needs, reducing the likelihood of missed doses. 

Similarly, for adults, healthcare providers can send follow-up emails when it's time for a booster shot or a new vaccine that is recommended due to age, health status, or recent travel.

Additionally, tracking vaccine progress through secure email allows healthcare providers to send tailored alerts to individuals who are overdue for vaccinations. It also allows personalized outreach, so providers can encourage parents to complete their children’s vaccination series while also maintaining the privacy of their health information.

Provide education on measles and immunity

HIPAA compliant emails can also include educational content about the measles virus, its risks, and the importance of vaccination. Specifically, these emails can include secure links to reputable sources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO), directing parents to evidence-based information. 

Using secure emails helps build trust between individuals and their healthcare providers, increasing the likelihood of vaccine acceptance and broader community protection.

For example, healthcare providers can send personalized emails explaining the severity of measles and its potential complications, like pneumonia, encephalitis, and death, particularly in young children and immunocompromised individuals. 

They can also promote herd immunity to prevent outbreaks, reassuring families that getting vaccinated helps protect those who cannot receive vaccines due to medical reasons.

Related: Empowering patients with HIPAA compliant emails and texts

FAQs

Can providers use regular email services for HIPAA compliant emails?

No, regular email services, like Gmail, do not offer the security features required for HIPAA compliance, so providers must use a HIPAA compliant platform, like Paubox, to send emails containing individuals’ protected health information (PHI).

Is patient consent required for email communication?

Yes, providers must first obtain explicit patient consent before sending PHI via email.

How does HIPAA compliance impact patient trust?

When providers are HIPAA compliant, they demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding patient privacy and improving trust in the patient-provider relationship.