NIH Chief Urges Measles Shots as U.S. Cases Hit 35-Year High
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Aug 9
NIH Chief Urges Measles Shots as U.S. Cases Hit 35-Year High
1 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Aug 9
Summary
Jay Bhattacharya said parents should give children standard vaccines — especially measles shots — and send them to school, adding that he vaccinated his own kids and "trust[s] the science."
Measles cases have climbed to their highest level in 35 years, while only 10 states topped the 95% kindergarten coverage threshold needed for herd immunity in the 2024-2025 school year.
Bhattacharya argued officials should promote vaccination without stoking fear about school attendance, saying COVID-era messaging damaged trust in public health institutions.
He said outbreaks in Texas, Arizona, Utah and South Carolina have been addressed, with Virginia declining sharply and Pennsylvania now the latest focus in specific under-vaccinated communities.
The remarks came as the White House drafts an executive order on childhood vaccines and autism; Bhattacharya said the cause of rising autism is still unknown, while Kennedy has long promoted a debunked vaccine link.