Rep. Don Beyer, who represents Virginia’s 8th district in the U.S. Congress, posted a series of statements on September 20, 2025, warning about declining vaccination rates and the resurgence of preventable diseases in the United States.
In one post dated September 20, Beyer referenced recent reporting by NBC News: “Earlier this week, NBC News published an investigation finding that extensive areas in the U.S. do not have the basic, ground-level immunity necessary to stop the spread of deadly viruses that had been largely wiped out. 1/”
He continued by emphasizing the historical impact of vaccines: “The truth is vaccines work. Our vaccination efforts led to the near-eradication of many of the most deadly childhood infectious diseases, saving millions of lives and revolutionizing public health. Now, this progress is in grave danger. 2/”
Beyer also addressed concerns over misinformation and access to immunization: “The combined impact of vaccine misinformation and restricted access to immunization threatens decades of public health progress. Without intervention, eradicated diseases will return and more children will die from illnesses we know how to prevent. 4/4” The posts collectively highlight his concerns about threats to longstanding advances in public health.
Don Beyer has served as a member of Congress since 2015 after succeeding Jim Moran as representative for Virginia’s 8th district. Born in Trieste in 1950 and now residing in Alexandria, Beyer graduated from Williams College with a BA in 1972.
