Measles in South Carolina: FDA's Makary backs vaccination

FDA Commissioner Martin Makary urged Americans to get measles vaccinations as South Carolina reported 950 cases; the majority of those infected were unvaccinated.

Measles cases have risen in South Carolina as U.S. health officials urged vaccination. FDA Commissioner Martin Makary publicly encouraged Americans to ensure children are vaccinated after recent outbreak reports. Federal guidance continues to recommend the two-dose MMR schedule, starting at 12 months with a second dose at 4 to 6 years. The state reported a large cluster of infections over recent days. Known facts: - South Carolina reported 950 measles cases, including 17 new infections since Tuesday, and no deaths were reported. - State officials said 883 of the infected were unvaccinated and 19 were partially vaccinated with one MMR dose. - FDA Commissioner Martin Makary urged Americans to get vaccinated and described vaccination as the best way to prevent measles. - Federal guidance recommends a two-dose measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) protocol: first dose at 12 months, second at 4–6 years. Summary: Health officials note that the recent rise in cases is concentrated among those without full vaccination and that federal MMR guidance remains in place. Undetermined at this time.