A measles outbreak in Texas has reached nearly 230 cases, with the virus claiming its first death in over a decade. As the disease spreads, some parents are turning to supplements like vitamin A instead of vaccines.
Dr. Ana Montanez, a pediatrician in Lubbock, is working to convince parents that vaccines are still the best way to protect their children from measles. However, she’s also facing misinformation about alternative treatments like vitamin A, which has been touted as a way to prevent the disease.
Vitamin A supplements do not prevent measles and can be harmful in large doses, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends vaccination as the best protection against measles infection.
Dr. Jeffrey Kahn, chief of infectious diseases at Children’s Health in Dallas, expressed concern over the misinformation being spread by anti-vaccine groups. “It’s somewhat baffling to me that we’re relitigating the effectiveness of vaccines and alternative therapies,” he said.
Despite efforts to convince parents to vaccinate their children, some remain hesitant. A 29-year-old nurse who is a self-described fan of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vocal anti-vaccine advocate, visited Dr. Montanez’s clinic and refused vaccination for her school-age daughter and toddler twins.
“I’m willing to hold off on the shot,” she said. “I don’t want my daughter to miss 21 days of education.” The nurse believes in her family’s immune systems and is concerned about potential side effects from vaccines.
Public health experts emphasize that vaccines pose minimal risks of side effects and protect children against diseases that once routinely killed many people. As the measles outbreak continues to spread, it remains to be seen how effective alternative treatments like vitamin A will be in preventing the disease.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/doctors-push-back-parents-embrace-kennedy-vitamin-texas-measles-outbreak-2025-03-08