Policy failings caused Texas measles outbreak
An expert on vaccines has stated that numerous measles outbreaks in the state of Texas have resulted in the largest number of cases in the United States in more than three decades. Hotez noted that the recurrence of measles and pertussis (whooping cough) reveals shortcomings in vaccination policy at both the state and federal levels. Measles and pertussis are two diseases that are becoming more prevalent.
At the state level, there are policy gaps, particularly in 18 states in the United States, including Texas, where exemptions from vaccinations based on personal belief are granted for reasons other than medical necessity. According to him, the new administration at the federal level is aiming to restrict access to MMR vaccines and those that contain aluminium adjuvants in the year 2025. This attempt is being motivated by ideological rather than scientific grounds. In addition, he brought attention to the limitations of vaccine advocacy. According to Hotez, the advocacy gap is caused by the Secretary of Health and Human Services of the United States of America, who, on a nearly weekly basis, makes public statements that are not educated and spreads disinformation that is anti-vaccine.
In an interview with Chris Hayes, Hotez expressed similar concerns, claiming that “measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases can rebound quickly when immunisation coverage slips.” Hotez brought up these concerns again. Officials from the Texas Department of Health have issued a petition to parents, urging them to ensure that their children obtain the full measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) immunisation. It is possible that we will experience a recurrence of avoidable diseases at levels that have not been seen in decades, according to Hotez, if vaccination rates do not recover and if misinformation is not addressed.
