Why Vaccinating Against Measles is Crucial: A Call to Protect Public Health

Measles, once declared eradicated in the United States in 2000, has made an alarming return in recent years. This highly contagious disease, responsible for 128,000 deaths worldwide in 2021 (World Health Organization, 2023), is entirely preventable through vaccination. Yet, vaccine hesitancy continues to create dangerous gaps in immunity, fueling outbreaks and putting lives at risk. Here’s why measles vaccination is a critical public health priority.

Understanding Measles and Its Dangers

Measles is caused by a virus spread through respiratory droplets and is one of the most contagious diseases known. In fact, up to 90% of unvaccinated individuals exposed to the virus will become infected (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2023). While symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and a distinctive rash, the complications can be life-threatening:

• Pneumonia: The leading cause of measles-related deaths in children.
• Encephalitis: Swelling of the brain, which can result in permanent brain damage or death.
• Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE): A rare but fatal degenerative disease that can occur years after measles infection.

According to the CDC, one to three out of every 1,000 children infected with measles will die from complications, even with modern medical care (CDC, 2023). Recent data highlight the growing threat—already in 2025, 14 measles cases have been reported across five U.S. jurisdictions, with 43% of cases requiring hospitalization (CDC, 2025). This follows a surge in 2024, where 285 cases were recorded across 33 states, 40% of which resulted in hospitalization.

The Power of Vaccination

The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is one of the most effective tools in disease prevention. Two doses provide 97% protection against measles (CDC, 2023). Since its introduction in 1963, the vaccine has saved over 21 million lives globally, reducing measles deaths by 73% between 2000 and 2018 (World Health Organization, 2023).

High vaccination rates are crucial for maintaining herd immunity, which protects vulnerable individuals who cannot be vaccinated, such as newborns or those with medical conditions. To prevent outbreaks, at least 95% of the population must be vaccinated (WHO, 2023). However, U.S. vaccination coverage among kindergartners has dropped from 95.2% in 2019-2020 to 92.7% in 2023-2024, leaving approximately 280,000 young children at risk (CDC, 2025).

Why Vaccine Hesitancy Persists

Despite overwhelming evidence of vaccine safety and efficacy, misinformation and mistrust continue to fuel vaccine hesitancy. The now-debunked claim that the MMR vaccine is linked to autism originated from a fraudulent 1998 study by Andrew Wakefield, which was retracted and condemned by the scientific community. Yet, its impact still lingers.

Additional factors contributing to hesitancy include:

• Misinformation: Social media and online platforms amplify false claims about vaccines.
• Complacency: In regions where measles outbreaks are rare, people underestimate the disease’s severity.
• Distrust in Institutions: Skepticism toward pharmaceutical companies or government agencies leads some to reject vaccines.
• Access Barriers: Marginalized communities may face logistical or financial hurdles in obtaining vaccines.

The Consequences of Declining Vaccination Rates

The resurgence of measles outbreaks is a direct result of declining vaccination rates. In 2019, the U.S. experienced the largest measles outbreak in over 25 years, with 1,282 cases reported across 31 states—most occurring in unvaccinated individuals (CDC, 2020). In 2024, 89% of measles cases were in unvaccinated or unknown-status individuals, and outbreaks were reported in 33 jurisdictions (CDC, 2025). With vaccination rates dropping below herd immunity thresholds, the risk of larger outbreaks continues to grow.

Taking Action: A Collective Responsibility

Combatting measles requires a coordinated effort from all sectors of society:

• Promote Accurate Information: Governments, healthcare providers, and community leaders must counter misinformation with science-based education campaigns.
• Ensure Vaccine Access: Address logistical and financial barriers to vaccination, particularly in underserved communities.
• Rebuild Trust: Transparent communication from public health authorities can help restore confidence in vaccines.

Conclusion

Vaccinating against measles is not just a personal choice—it is a public health imperative. The resurgence of this entirely preventable disease is a stark reminder of the dangers of complacency and misinformation. By prioritizing vaccination and addressing vaccine hesitancy, we can protect the most vulnerable and ensure that measles remains a relic of the past.