Measles could become endemic in U.S. If vaccination rates don’t improve, experts warn

A new study warns that measles could make a permanent comeback if vaccination rates continue to decline.

(CNN)- A new study warns that measles—once declared eliminated in the U.S. back in 2000—could make a permanent comeback if vaccination rates continue to decline. “This is an extremely contagious disease,” said public health expert Dr. Leana Wen. The study projects that if current vaccination levels remain unchanged over the next 25 years, the U.S. could see nearly 900,000 measles cases. If those rates drop by just 10%, that number could skyrocket to 11 million—and more than 51 million if vaccinations are cut in half. Public health leaders are sounding the alarm.

“Everybody go get the measles vaccine right now,” urged Kerry Kennedy, President of RFK Human Rights. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, typically given during childhood, is widely regarded as safe and effective. “I believe in the MMR shot,” said FDA Commissioner Dr. Martin Makary.

Still, vaccination rates have dipped in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to several outbreaks—especially in West Texas and neighboring states, according to the CDC. “There are complications including pneumonia, seizures, permanent disability, and of course, death,” Dr. Wen added.

To counter vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, public health advocates have launched the Vaccine Integrity Project. The group aims to address growing confusion, including conflicting comments from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. “People get measles because they don’t vaccinate,” Kennedy said. “They get measles because the vaccine wanes.”

However, the CDC maintains that the MMR vaccine provides lifelong protection for most people. Dr. Makary reinforced the urgency of prevention: “Any child who dies from a vaccine-preventable disease is a tragedy.”