Acting CDC director Bhattacharya urges measles vaccines

Source: The Hill

03/02/26 3:59 PM ET


Jay Bhattacharya, the recently appointed acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), on Monday urged families to consider vaccinating against measles as outbreaks across the country continue.

In a video statement posted on the social media platform X, Bhattacharya discussed the steps that the CDC is taking the address the measles situation in the U.S., including “surging” resources and coordinating with states to spread education and outreach.

According to the CDC, 1,136 measles cases have been confirmed this year and 10 new outbreaks. Last year marked the worst year in terms of measles for the U.S. in decades, with nearly 2,300 cases confirmed across 50 outbreaks.

“There is no cure for measles, which is why prevention is so critical. The MMR vaccine remains the most reliable and effective way to prevent it. Two doses are 97% effective at providing lifelong protection against measles and its complications. Vaccination protects not only individuals but entire communities,” said Bhattacharya.

Read more: https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/5763366-cdc-urges-measles-vaccination/