Measles outbreak sparks an urgent call for childhood vaccinations | Opinion
Practicing medicine in 2024 can have its fair share of challenges, but there is little more discouraging than the resurgence of a once-controlled threat. At the time of publication, seven confirmed cases of measles at a Broward County elementary school have emerged, with two more in preschool-age children in Broward, serving as a stark reminder of the critical role of childhood vaccinations.
As a pediatrician in Broward County for over 20 years, I have witnessed firsthand the increase in vaccine hesitancy and misinformation. The result is a nationwide decrease in childhood vaccination rates. Despite all the evidence-based data regarding the importance and effectiveness of vaccinations, they can sometimes be viewed as a choice rather than a responsibility. With the unavoidable pause during COVID, many fell behind on vaccinations that would normally have been up to date, worsening the situation. Combined with increasing unfounded skepticism, fueled by conspiracy theories on social media, the decline in having fully protected communities continues.
As parents, caregivers and community members, we must acknowledge this impact on our collective immunity. This not only puts unvaccinated individuals at risk, but also contributes to the return of preventable diseases like measles, extending the risk to all of us. Of note, it requires 95% of a population to be vaccinated to provide the herd immunity that is necessary to protect our most vulnerable patients, those who are immunocompromised and infants too young to immunize.
The combination vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) is statistically and historically proven as effective, and the side effects are typically minor. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) affirms that the recommended two doses of this vaccine are approximately 97% effective against measles, with a single dose offering about 93% protection.
While we do not know the vaccination status of the affected individuals in the current outbreak, historical data consistently shows that measles spreads most rapidly among unvaccinated populations. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, nine out of 10 unimmunized children in contact with an infected person will contract the highly contagious respiratory virus.
Pediatric Associates continues to advocate for and adhere to the vaccination schedule set by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC. We emphasize the importance of timely and complete immunization to protect children against the unnecessary reappearance of vaccine-preventable diseases.
While parents of fully vaccinated children can mostly breathe easy during this current outbreak, we all play a critical role in the health of our community. The future of our children depends on the choices we make today.
For more information about measles, including symptoms, transmission and vaccination, visit cdc.gov/measles.
Dr. Barbara Alexander is a board-certified pediatrician and the senior regional medical director of Pediatric Associates.
