BCHC and others share concerns with HHS Secretary Kennedy about the current measles outbreak response
May 2025
Big Cities Health Coalition (BCHC) and other health organizations are asking the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to redouble their efforts to prevent further spread of the disease and assist state and local health departments in their efforts to respond.
More than 1,000 confirmed cases of measles have been reported by more than 31 jurisdictions. If we do not act immediately, the United States risks losing more lives as well as our measles elimination status gained 25 years ago through robust vaccination.
We know that having trusted voices making a strong recommendation for people to receive the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best and most effective way to stop this outbreak. We appreciate Secretary Kennedy’s statement to this effect. However, it is essential that leadership at HHS and CDC speak unequivocally and in a unified voice encouraging Americans to receive the MMR vaccine.
While there have been some statements from the Secretary and Department encouraging people to get the MMR vaccine, there have also been numerous assertions that cast doubt on the value of the vaccine, and touted untested, alternative treatments for measles like cod liver oil, clarithromycin, and budesonide. Some have also touted the use of vitamin A in a way that is out of context with current clinical recommendations, which has led to inappropriate use and dosing that can cause further harm.
All these mixed messages are taking a toll. A recent tracking survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation showed that most adults, including most parents, have heard one or more false claims about measles or the MMR vaccine.
Lower vaccination rates put communities at risk of losing community immunity, which helps protect those who are not yet fully vaccinated or who cannot be vaccinated, including children and adults who have cancer and are immunosuppressed. Moving forward, we call on HHS and CDC to increase its promotion of the MMR vaccine and provide information on measles that is grounded in evidence-based science.
We also call on HHS and CDC to reverse some of the Reduction in Force (RIFs) and federal funding rescissions that have taken place and are undermining the federal response to the measles outbreak. Because of these earlier decisions by HHS and CDC, we have witnessed immunization clinics closing in Texas and elsewhere despite the measles outbreak.
It is also important to note that the measles outbreak is occurring amidst the worst flu season in over a decade. There have been 231 pediatric deaths this flu season, exceeding the previous reporting high for a non-pandemic year. This is in addition to an increase in pertussis cases last year, where the United States saw more than 35,000 cases reported, the most since 2012.
We are reaching a breaking point. Now is the time to have federal leadership provide a strong, unified message encouraging Americans to get vaccinated, and to provide adequate funding and personnel to ensure local, state, and territorial jurisdictions can respond to the outbreaks, and receive technical, medical, workforce and financial support.
