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As the United States grapples with a resurgence of measles, Dr. Mehmet Oz, a prominent public health official, has issued a heartfelt plea for citizens to get vaccinated. His call comes amid alarming outbreaks across several states, including a particularly severe situation in South Carolina, where cases are surging and threatening the nation’s hard-won elimination status for the disease.
A Call to Action
Speaking on CNN’s *State of the Union*, Dr. Oz, who serves as the administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, emphasised the importance of vaccination against measles. “Take the vaccine, please,” he urged, underscoring the availability of an effective solution to combat the outbreak.
He clarified, “Not all illnesses are equally dangerous and not all individuals are equally susceptible, but measles is one you should get your vaccine.” This statement comes at a critical time, as public health experts warn that a growing scepticism towards vaccines could reverse the progress made in controlling this once-eliminated disease in the United States.
Current Outbreaks and Health Risks
The situation has escalated dramatically in South Carolina, where hundreds of measles cases have been reported, surpassing the number seen during Texas’s outbreak earlier in 2025. Additional clusters of the disease have emerged along the Utah-Arizona border, with further confirmed cases reported in several other states.
The majority of those affected are unvaccinated children, raising concerns that the current outbreak reflects a troubling trend in vaccine hesitancy. In January alone, 25% of the total cases for the previous year were reported, indicating an alarming spike that shows no signs of abating. Despite the gravity of the situation, federal responses to encourage vaccination have largely been muted until now.
Controversies and Vaccine Advocacy
Dr. Oz’s appeal for vaccination comes in stark contrast to the views of his superior, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has a well-documented history of questioning the safety and necessity of vaccines. This complex dynamic within the government has led to confusion and concern among the public, particularly as Kennedy has previously positioned measles vaccination as a personal choice while endorsing unverified treatments for the disease.
While Dr. Oz has previously aligned himself with Kennedy’s broader campaign to “make America healthy again,” his recent remarks signal a clear shift towards advocating for established public health measures. Notably, he has expressed scepticism about the efficacy of flu vaccines in past interviews, which adds another layer of complexity to his current messaging on measles.
The Need for Unified Messaging
The absence of a robust national campaign to promote vaccination has left many wondering how to navigate the current health crisis. Dr. Oz’s recent statements represent one of the first significant endorsements from federal officials aimed at combating the measles resurgence. As vaccine uptake remains low and misinformation spreads, the need for clear and consistent messaging from health authorities is more crucial than ever.
Why it Matters
The resurgence of measles in the United States poses not only a health risk to the population, particularly vulnerable children, but also threatens to undo decades of progress in public health. As communities face outbreaks, the importance of vaccination cannot be overstated. Dr. Oz’s plea serves as a vital reminder of the role individuals play in safeguarding public health. By encouraging vaccination, we not only protect ourselves but also contribute to the wider effort to eliminate diseases that have previously been under control. In a time of growing vaccine hesitancy, strong advocacy and clear communication are essential to ensure the health and safety of all citizens.
