Measles Outbreaks Surge as Dr. Mehmet Oz Urges Vaccination

Dr. Mehmet Oz told viewers to "take the vaccine" as measles outbreaks spread across multiple U.S. states, with South Carolina reporting hundreds of cases and infections concentrated among children amid falling vaccination rates.

Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, urged Americans to get vaccinated against measles as outbreaks intensify in several U.S. states. He made the appeal on CNN, saying, "Take the vaccine, please," and described measles as a serious disease. Health officials and policymakers have been discussing vaccine guidance and scheduling changes as cases rise. Key points: - Dr. Mehmet Oz urged vaccination on CNN and called measles a serious disease. - Outbreaks are spreading across multiple states; South Carolina has reported hundreds of cases, and additional cases have been noted near the Utah–Arizona border, with many infections occurring in children. - Falling vaccination rates and record-high exemption numbers were reported alongside the increase in cases. - Federal vaccine guidance and the childhood vaccine schedule have been the subject of debate, including discussion of separating MMR doses and pushback from vaccine makers and public health experts. Summary: The rise in measles cases has coincided with public debate over federal vaccine guidance and recent changes to the childhood vaccine schedule. Undetermined at this time.