Measles Vaccine Urged as US Cases Rise: Dr. Oz & Health Officials Speak Out
- Health officials are urging Americans to get vaccinated against measles as cases continue to rise across the country, jeopardizing the nation’s status as measles-free.
- By 2000, is largely attributed to declining vaccination rates.
- As of February 5, 2026, the CDC reported 733 confirmed cases of measles in 20 states since the beginning of 2025.
U.S. Health officials are urging Americans to get vaccinated against measles as cases continue to rise across the country, jeopardizing the nation’s status as measles-free. Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, issued a strong call to action on , emphasizing the availability of a solution to the growing outbreak. “Take the vaccine, please. We have a solution for our problem,” Dr. Oz stated on CNN’s “State of the Union.”
The resurgence of measles, which was eliminated in the U.S. By , is largely attributed to declining vaccination rates. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccination coverage among U.S. Kindergartners has dropped from during the school year to in the school year. This decline falls below the threshold needed for effective herd immunity, leaving communities vulnerable to outbreaks.
As of , the CDC reported confirmed cases of measles in states since the beginning of . However, state health officials are reporting even higher numbers. For example, South Carolina’s department of public health reported cases as of .
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can lead to serious complications, particularly in young children. Symptoms typically include fever, cough, runny nose, and a characteristic rash. Complications can range from ear infections and diarrhea to pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and even death.
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective in preventing measles. Children typically receive two doses of the MMR vaccine as part of routine immunizations: the first dose between and months of age, and the second dose between and years of age.
Despite the proven efficacy and safety of the MMR vaccine, vaccine hesitancy remains a significant challenge. This hesitancy, coupled with declining vaccination rates, has contributed to the current resurgence of measles. The situation is complicated by differing viewpoints among health officials. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has previously expressed skepticism about vaccines, stated last year that he encourages people to get vaccinated against measles.
Dr. Oz acknowledged the complexities surrounding vaccine recommendations and past statements from President Donald Trump and Secretary Kennedy Jr. Regarding vaccine efficacy. However, he emphasized the importance of vaccination against measles specifically. “Not all illnesses are equally dangerous and not all people are equally susceptible to those illnesses,” he explained. “But measles is one you should get your vaccine.”
Medicare and Medicaid will continue to cover the measles vaccine as part of their insurance programs, Dr. Oz confirmed, ensuring access to vaccination for a broad segment of the population. The current outbreaks have infected more than people since the beginning of , with cases reported in all but six U.S. States. Outbreaks have been particularly notable in South Carolina, where case numbers have surpassed those seen in Texas’ outbreak, and on the Utah-Arizona border.
Public health officials continue to monitor the situation closely and urge individuals to check their vaccination status and get vaccinated if they are not already protected. Maintaining high vaccination rates is crucial to preventing further outbreaks and protecting communities from this highly contagious and potentially serious disease.