In a concerning development, measles, a highly infectious disease that was previously tamed, is making a comeback due to vaccine hesitancy. The disease, which kills 2.6 million young children annually and causes deafness and brain damage in others, had seen a drastic decline in mortality rates since the 1980s. However, recent outbreaks in England, particularly in London and the west Midlands, have raised alarm bells.

The primary weapon against measles has been the MMR vaccine, which not only provides immunity against measles but also mumps and rubella. The global deployment of MMR has been hailed as one of the greatest public health triumphs of the 20th century, saving an estimated 56 million lives. However, in 1998, controversial claims linking the MMR vaccine to autism were published in The Lancet, causing vaccine hesitancy among some parents.

Despite numerous studies disproving any connection between the MMR vaccine and autism, vaccine hesitancy has persisted, leading to a resurgence of measles cases. The World Health Organization reported a global death toll of 136,000 in 2022. Vaccine hesitancy is a complex issue, affecting individuals across different educational backgrounds, religious beliefs, and socioeconomic statuses. There is no single factor that categorizes vaccine-hesitant people, making it challenging to address the issue through public education strategies.

Vaccine hesitancy is not only a problem for measles but for all vaccination programs. However, measles poses a greater challenge due to its high reproductive number (R) of 15 or more, meaning that even a slight drop in vaccine coverage can lead to rapid increases in cases. Several countries, including Albania, the Czech Republic, Greece, and the UK, have lost their hard-earned measles-free status due to reduced vaccine coverage.

It is important to note that even adults who received the MMR vaccine as children or had previous exposure to the disease can experience waning immunity. While the risk of severe symptoms in adults is low, opting for adult MMR vaccination can still play a crucial role in restoring herd immunity and preventing asymptomatic infections. This is especially important for protecting vulnerable babies under one year old who cannot receive the vaccine themselves. Adult MMR vaccination also helps prevent rubella in pregnant women and the occurrence of orchitis in men, an inflammation of the testicles associated with mumps.

As the world grapples with the threat of measles resurgence, it is crucial to address vaccine hesitancy and prioritize vaccination efforts. The reemergence of uncontrolled measles epidemics poses a significant risk to global public health achievements. By choosing adult MMR vaccination, individuals can contribute to protecting themselves, vulnerable populations, and the restoration of herd immunity against measles.

The fight against measles requires the collective effort of governments, healthcare providers, and individuals. Let us work together to overcome vaccine hesitancy and ensure that measles remains a disease of the past, saving millions of lives and safeguarding future generations from its devastating consequences.