Measles is an extremely contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus and remains common worldwide. The U.S. FDA-approved vaccines for measles are safe and effective, offering lifelong protection to most people who receive the recommended two doses. Despite this, measles outbreaks still occur in the U.S. due to global increases in measles cases, with unvaccinated individuals bringing the virus into the country, and its spread among unvaccinated communities. Before the vaccination program started in 1963, millions in the U.S. contracted measles annually, resulting in hundreds of deaths, thousands of hospitalizations, and numerous cases of encephalitis. The widespread use of vaccines has reduced measles cases by 99% in the U.S.

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References

  1. Office of the Commissioner. (2024, March 1). Vaccination is the best protection against measles. U.S. Food And Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/vaccination-best-protection-against-measles

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