Measles Infections on the Rise

  • In June 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that 1,022 cases of measles have been reported in the U.S. this year (so far).
  • That’s the highest number of infections since 1994.
  • These outbreaks have all been traced to unvaccinated individuals who contracted measles and then spread it within their communities.

Vaccines Are Safe

  • There is worldwide consensus from the science and medical communities that vaccines are safe.
  • Studies from both government agencies as well as independent researchers have found vaccines to be safe.
  • In the U.S., the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association, and theAutism Society of America have all denounced any claims that the Measles-Mumps-Rubella vaccine causes Autism.

Lower Rates of Vaccinations Harm the Vulnerable

  • A recent dip in vaccination rates has damaged the nation’s “herd immunity,” which occurs when a large portion of the population is vaccinated, thereby hampering the diseases’ ability to find a host.
  • With measles, herd immunity is only achieved when at least 90-95 percent of the population is vaccinated.
  • Without robust herd immunity, certain individuals who cannot receive vaccinations—newborns, the elderly and those with certain diseases—will be left vulnerable to these dangerous diseases.

Encouraging People to Vaccinate

  • Currently 17 states allow parents to opt out of vaccinating their kids before enrolling in public school if they have a “philosophical objection” to vaccines.
  • These states should do away with this type of exemption and ban children from public schools if they have not been vaccinated.
  • Federal and state governments might also consider attaching proof of vaccination to certain welfare programs, such as food assistance programs, housing allowances, and Medicaid.
  • Proof of up-to-date vaccinations should also be a requirement for any individual entering the country on non-immigrant visas through U.S.ports of entry.