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Mmr

All articles tagged with #mmr

Pharmacies Report Surge in Measles Vaccine Demand as Experts Reassure Public on Immunity
health28 days ago

Pharmacies Report Surge in Measles Vaccine Demand as Experts Reassure Public on Immunity

As measles cases rise among unvaccinated individuals, Giant pharmacies in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, have increased vaccine availability for walk-ins and appointments. While daily demand has surged from one to four requests per day, experts emphasize that most vaccinated individuals do not require a booster. Dr. Paul Offit of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia explains that immunological memory cells provide long-term protection, even if antibody levels fade, making annual boosters unnecessary unlike for influenza. Immunity varies by birth year and vaccination history, with those born after 1989 who received two doses having a 97% protection rate. Although four cases have been confirmed among vaccinated people, experts note these are rare and typically mild, with the vaccine preventing severe outcomes like hospitalization or death.

RFK Jr. deflects measles fears as media and politicians face criticism
us-politics1 month ago

RFK Jr. deflects measles fears as media and politicians face criticism

RFK Jr. used a Fox News town hall to accuse the media and demagogic politicians of fear-mongering about measles while defending the MMR vaccine, as Pennsylvania reports two measles-related deaths—the state’s first in 35 years—sparking a clash with Governor Shapiro; health officials say deaths are rare thanks to widespread vaccination, highlighting a heated debate over vaccines and public health amid rising measles cases.

Measles resurges in the U.S. as outbreaks widen in PA, WI, and GA
health1 month ago

Measles resurges in the U.S. as outbreaks widen in PA, WI, and GA

Measles outbreaks are widening across the United States, with more than 2,700 cases in 2026 and clusters in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Georgia. Pennsylvania leads with 460 cases and two deaths, Wisconsin reports about 100 cases—the state’s highest since 1990—and Georgia has 11 cases tied to a metro Atlanta daycare. Officials say nearly all infections are outbreak-related and emphasize the MMR vaccine as the best protection; 94% of 2026 cases are linked to outbreaks, and measles can spread through the air and linger for hours. The CDC notes weekly updates can lag, and the Aug. 28 data update was delayed. If you suspect measles, call ahead to a healthcare provider before visiting.

CT records third measles case of 2026 tied to travel
health1 month ago

CT records third measles case of 2026 tied to travel

Connecticut health officials confirmed the state's third measles case of 2026, a Hartford County adult who recently traveled internationally and was hospitalized; vaccination status is unknown. The case mirrors a national spike, with 2,777 cases reported as of Aug. 20 and most linked to outbreaks and unvaccinated or unknown-status individuals. Connecticut boasts one of the highest MMR vaccination rates (98.6% of kindergarteners with two doses, second in the nation). Officials urge travelers to verify MMR status before international trips, monitor for symptoms for 21 days after exposure, and contact a healthcare provider or use CT WiZ/2-1-1 for information and vaccination records.

health1 month ago

Oz clarifies: MMR vaccine is not lethal as Trump overhauls vaccine policy

CMS head Dr. Mehmet Oz told CBS that the MMR vaccine is not lethal, clarifying President Trump’s claims that the shot could be lethal. Trump has signed an executive order to overhaul vaccine recommendations, including splitting MMR into separate doses, though no evidence was provided to support lethal claims. The MMR vaccine has been in use for decades with hundreds of millions of doses administered.”

Record-high vaccine exemptions trigger concern as kindergarten MMR rates dip
public-health1 month ago

Record-high vaccine exemptions trigger concern as kindergarten MMR rates dip

CDC data show kindergarten vaccination rates remain high overall, but non-medical exemptions rose to a record 4.2% and MMR coverage fell slightly to 92.4%, signaling pockets of under-vaccination amid a national debate fueled by political figures and misinformation; experts say confusion around vaccines undermines uptake even as most parents still vaccinate.

Michigan Defends Steady Pediatric Vaccine Schedule Amid Federal Push
health1 month ago

Michigan Defends Steady Pediatric Vaccine Schedule Amid Federal Push

Michigan says it will maintain its standing pediatric immunization schedule aligned with the American Academy of Pediatrics, despite President Trump's Aug. 10 executive order to trim the federal vaccine slate and split MMR into single-disease vaccines. Public health officials warn the change could cause confusion and undermine protection as measles cases rise, noting no data supports altering the schedule and that combined vaccines like MMR remain safe.

Record vaccine exemptions surge among U.S. kindergartners as MMR coverage dips
health1 month ago

Record vaccine exemptions surge among U.S. kindergartners as MMR coverage dips

CDC data for the 2025–2026 school year show kindergartners’ vaccination rates declined again, with nonmedical exemptions reaching a nationwide 4% and 42 of 46 states reporting increases; MMR vaccination fell to 92.4% and about 280,000 kindergartners were not vaccinated, contributing to rising measles activity and underscoring concerns about herd immunity (95%).

Senator Rebukes Trump’s MMR Claims as Harmful to Immunization Confidence
politics1 month ago

Senator Rebukes Trump’s MMR Claims as Harmful to Immunization Confidence

Sen. Bill Cassidy denounced President Trump’s suggestion to scrap the combined MMR vaccine in favor of six separate shots, saying it would confuse parents, increase doctor visits and push up costs, ultimately harming immunization efforts. Cassidy, who voted to confirm Kennedy as health secretary, also highlighted ongoing vaccine misinformation and changes to CDC messaging about autism, noting that Trump’s comments won’t address the underlying safety concerns—even as Cassidy faces a Trump-backed primary defeat.

GOP Senator Slams Trump’s Vaccine Order as Costly and Impractical
politics1 month ago

GOP Senator Slams Trump’s Vaccine Order as Costly and Impractical

Sen. Bill Cassidy, a physician and rising Trump critic, called the president’s vaccine executive order—mandating the MMR vaccine be given as three separate shots—“wrong on so many levels” because it would mean six separate visits, greater time off for parents, and higher costs, potentially reducing vaccination adherence and increasing illness. Immunologists say there’s no health reason for the change, underscoring a Republican dissent over the policy as Cassidy's relationship with Kennedy and Trump frays.

Madison County confirms measles case, triggers contact tracing and vaccination reminder
local1 month ago

Madison County confirms measles case, triggers contact tracing and vaccination reminder

A measles case has been confirmed in Madison County; the patient is recovering at home. Public Health is identifying and notifying close contacts during the contagious period and will contact exposed individuals with guidance. Measles is highly contagious and can spread through the air, with transmission possible from four days before to four days after a rash. Vaccination with two doses of the MMR vaccine provides the best protection; those unsure of their vaccination status should consult their healthcare provider.

California defends routine childhood vaccines as Trump pushes split-dose plan
health1 month ago

California defends routine childhood vaccines as Trump pushes split-dose plan

California health officials defend the long-standing childhood vaccination schedule as safe and essential, pushing back against President Trump's plan to separate vaccines into individual shots. They note that state requirements, CDC guidance, and broad medical consensus (AAP, IDSA) have kept measles outbreaks in check, and warn that a split-dose approach would add visits and injections without evidence of benefit.

Finger Lakes measles alert prompts regional health response
health1 month ago

Finger Lakes measles alert prompts regional health response

Health officials in Cayuga and Madison counties warn of confirmed measles cases in the Finger Lakes, including an unvaccinated Madison County resident recovering at home. Measles is highly contagious, with up to 9 in 10 unvaccinated exposed people becoming infected; two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective. Symptoms usually appear 7–21 days after exposure and can include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, white spots in the mouth, and a spreading rash. If exposed, contact a health care provider before visiting to prevent exposing others. Cayuga County offers vaccinations by appointment; Madison County will monitor the case and provide updates per NYS Department of Health guidance.

Experts push back on plan to split MMR vaccine into separate shots
health1 month ago

Experts push back on plan to split MMR vaccine into separate shots

President Trump signed an executive order to reshape vaccine policy, including a directive to offer MMR as three separate shots given in separate visits. Public health experts and the CDC say there’s no evidence this would improve safety or uptake, and it would complicate logistics, raise costs, and likely reduce vaccination rates, increasing risk of measles, mumps, and rubella outbreaks. Monovalent vaccines exist in some places but are not common in the U.S.; developing and approving separate shots could take years, possibly a decade. Merck and GSK emphasize the safety and practicality of the current MMR vaccine, while Japan’s experience with monovalents is cited as cautionary. The plan also touches on long-debunked autism concerns, which researchers say have no basis.

Measles surge traced to Wisconsin's Iowa and Lafayette counties amid vaccination gaps
health2 months ago

Measles surge traced to Wisconsin's Iowa and Lafayette counties amid vaccination gaps

Wisconsin's Department of Health Services confirms 15 new measles cases in Iowa and Lafayette counties (six probable), bringing statewide confirmed cases to 23 for the year; most patients are under 18 and unvaccinated. Officials warn that MMR vaccination rates in these counties remain below the 95% target and urge vaccination and prompt care for symptoms, which include fever, runny nose, cough, pink eye, and a red rash. The federal move to separate MMR into three shots is noted, but state guidance remains unchanged.