A deadly measles outbreak in Texas has prompted Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the nation’s top health official, to urge parents to consider vaccinating their children against the disease. In an opinion piece published on Fox News Digital, Kennedy wrote that parents should consult with physicians about the MMR vaccine, which also covers mumps and rubella.
Kennedy, who has previously expressed skepticism about vaccines, acknowledged that the decision to vaccinate is a personal one but emphasized the importance of community immunity in protecting those who are unable to be vaccinated due to medical reasons. The highly contagious virus has surged in Texas and several other states since an unvaccinated school-age child became the first measles death in the US in a decade.
Kennedy’s op-ed comes after he incorrectly stated that two people had died in the outbreak during a White House briefing, contradicting reports from national and local health officials. He also touted vitamin A as a way to reduce measles mortality, but doctors warn that it should not be used to prevent measles and may be harmful in high doses.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend vaccination with the MMR vaccine as the most effective method for preventing measles. More than 150 people in Texas and across state lines have been infected since January, primarily among those who were not vaccinated or had no known vaccination status. The outbreak comes 25 years after measles was declared eliminated in the US, highlighting the need for increased vigilance and vaccination efforts to prevent future outbreaks.
As the nation’s top health official, Kennedy acknowledged that healthcare providers, public leaders, and policymakers have a shared responsibility to protect public health. He emphasized the importance of accurate information about vaccine safety and efficacy being disseminated to communities, providing culturally competent education, and making vaccines accessible for all who want them.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2025/03/03/rfk-jr-measles-vaccine-texas-outbreak/81142671007