Measles, once thought to be eradicated in many parts of the world, has resurfaced in West Texas, leaving millions of Americans living with weakened immune systems on high alert.
People like Laurie McFarlin Stein and Amy Wilson are particularly vulnerable to measles due to conditions such as common variable immune deficiency, cancer, HIV, or rare genetic disorders. Herd immunity provides protection for these individuals by creating a barrier against the spread of deadly diseases.
However, declining vaccination rates have led to increased cases, with some school districts in the Dallas-Fort Worth area falling short of the 95% target for measles vaccinations. Wilson, who has been unable to develop immunity despite being vaccinated four times, emphasizes the importance of others getting vaccinated.
“It’s not about me; it’s about everyone around me,” she said. “I have to rely on everybody else having the vaccine.”
Experts like Dr. Chelsee Greer warn that live vaccines are not safe for patients with weakened immune systems and rely on herd immunity to prevent the spread of diseases.
As measles cases continue to climb in Texas, concern is growing among those with compromised immune systems, who feel powerless against the outbreak. The Texas House has recently advanced a bill allowing parents to opt out of school vaccine requirements, which could further exacerbate the issue.
“We’re scared for this community of people who are immunocompromised,” said Jorey Berry, president and CEO of the Immune Deficiency Foundation. “We need everyone to step up and help protect them.”
Source: https://www.dallasnews.com/news/2025/05/16/measles-outbreak-raises-concern-for-texans-with-immune-issues