Acting CDC Director urges measles vaccinations

In a video message, Acting Centers and Disease Control and Prevention Director Jay Bhattacharya, MD, PhD, urged families to vaccinate against measles as cases expand to 1,136 nationwide. He said the agency is “surging” resources and coordinating with states to disseminate education and outreach. Bhattacharya said receiving two doses of the MMR vaccine is 97% effective at providing lifelong protection against measles and its complications. He added vaccination can protect entire communities and that health care providers can help people make “informed choices with confidence.” For the first time since 2000, the U.S. is likely to lose its status as a country where measles is eliminated (The Hill article, 3/2/26)