Stagnant vaccine uptake casts doubt on confirmation of CDC director nominee amid surging American measles cases reaching critical levels.
In a significant development, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a record number of measles cases in the country since the disease was declared eliminated a quarter-century ago, with at least 1,288 confirmed cases as of the current year [1]. This surge surpasses the 2019 total of 1,274 cases, marking the highest number in over 30 years.
The ongoing measles outbreak, primarily linked to an outbreak in West Texas where more than 750 cases have been reported [1], has hospitalized many more people due to misinformation regarding the measles vaccine. More than 90% of the cases this year have been in people who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown [1].
The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, is critical for maintaining herd immunity. However, vaccination coverage among U.S. kindergartners has decreased to 92.7%, down from 95.2% in the 2019-2020 school year [2]. This reduction in coverage is concerning, as achieving and maintaining high vaccination rates (above 95%) is essential for preventing outbreaks.
Lower vaccination rates in certain communities create pockets of vulnerability, where measles outbreaks can occur when the virus is introduced [2]. The ongoing measles outbreak has been confirmed in 38 states, with the risk of infection being higher in areas with active outbreaks or low vaccination rates [1].
The leadership of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) plays a crucial role in addressing vaccination coverage and measles cases through policy and public health strategies. HHS, through the CDC, emphasizes the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates and recommends the MMR vaccine to protect against measles [1][2]. The CDC continues to monitor measles outbreaks and provides guidance to states and communities on how to manage and prevent the spread of the disease.
However, concerns have been raised about the leadership of HHS, with Dr. Richard Besser, former acting director of the CDC, expressing concern about the decline in routine childhood vaccination rates and the ongoing measles outbreak [3]. Sen. Cassidy publicly pressed Kennedy to delay a meeting of the CDC's new vaccine advisers due to concerns about their biases [4]. Sen. Murray has called for a hearing about the ongoing measles outbreak and Kennedy's shakeup of vaccine oversight [5].
In a positive development, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee has voted to advance President Donald Trump's nominee, Dr. Susan Monarez, to lead the CDC [6]. Dr. Monarez's nomination was approved by a vote of 12-11, with all Republicans supporting her [6]. Dr. Jennifer Brull, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians, emphasized the importance of vaccination and the role of healthcare professionals in helping patients navigate vaccine-related information [7].
Despite the ongoing crisis, HHS has not responded to CNN's request for comment about the measles milestone [1]. It is hoped that with the advancement of Dr. Monarez's nomination, the leadership of HHS will take decisive action to address the declining vaccination rates and the ongoing measles outbreak.
References: [1] https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/15/health/measles-outbreak-us-cdc/index.html [2] https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/mmr/basics/vaccination-coverage.html [3] https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/14/health/measles-outbreak-us-cdc-besser/index.html [4] https://www.politico.com/news/2025/01/13/republicans-delay-cdc-vaccine-advisory-committee-meeting-083795 [5] https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/senate-democrat-calls-hearing-over-measles-outbreak-kennedy-s-shakeup-n1125726 [6] https://www.foxnews.com/health/cdc-nominee-susan-monarez-advances-senate-vote [7] https://www.aafp.org/news/government-professional-affairs/20250115vaccination.html
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