Mehmet Oz’s Vaccine Appeal Arrives Ineffectively Late

Bassyonni

Published: February 15, 2026 3:37 AM ET

Measles cases in the United States have surged, raising concerns over the country potentially losing its “measles-free” status. Health experts point out that vaccination efforts are insufficient to combat the outbreak effectively. The rise in cases, now the highest since 2000, has prompted calls for increased vaccination.

Mehmet Oz’s Vaccine Appeal

In light of this growing public health crisis, Dr. Mehmet Oz, the administrator for Medicare and Medicaid under former President Donald Trump, has urged Americans to receive the measles vaccine. In a recent interview with CNN, Oz stressed the need for vaccination, stating, “Take the vaccine, please.” His statement came as the U.S. struggles to maintain its measles-free status.

Contradicting Health Messages

Oz’s plea contrasts sharply with the views held by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has expressed skepticism regarding vaccine safety. Since taking office, Kennedy has initiated changes to U.S. vaccine recommendations across several diseases, including measles, mumps, and COVID-19.

Vaccine Coverage Decline

Despite Oz’s urgent message, experts believe it may be “too little too late.” Measles vaccine coverage in the U.S. has dropped below the crucial 95% threshold needed for herd immunity. The decline is particularly severe in regions experiencing high infection rates, such as parts of Texas and South Carolina.

Measles vaccine coverage is below 95% in parts of the U.S.
States like Texas and South Carolina report even lower vaccination rates.

Record Number of Cases

Data from Johns Hopkins University indicates that there were 866 reported cases of measles in the U.S. during the first five weeks of 2026. This represents a dramatic increase from only 71 cases during the same period in 2025.

Global Context

While the United States faces rising cases, other regions have seen a decline. Europe and Central Asia reported a 75% reduction in measles cases from 2024 to 2025. Nonetheless, the World Health Organization and UNICEF caution against complacency in vaccination programs as local governments reconsider their commitments.

32 European nations maintained measles-free status as of September 2025.
Countries like Austria, Spain, and the UK lost this status in early 2026.

The Need for Action

The resurgence of measles in the U.S. highlights a critical need for renewed efforts in health communication and vaccination policies. Historically, successful vaccination programs have led to diminished public concern, which now threatens to reverse progress made in measles eradication.

As health officials reflect on these challenges, the urgency for vigorous endorsement and consistent promotion of vaccination practices becomes increasingly clear. Without comprehensive action, the risks associated with highly contagious diseases continue to grow, demanding immediate attention from both government leaders and medical professionals.