CubaDebate Reports on Declining US & Canadian Measles vaccination Rates, Loss of Elimination Status
Washington D.C. – A recent report by The Hill highlights a concerning trend: both the United States and Canada have lost their measles elimination status due to declining vaccination rates and sustained virus transmission. This development, experts warn, poses a threat to public health and damages international reputations.
Measles had been declared eliminated in both countries previously, but ongoing outbreaks linked to falling immunization coverage have reversed that progress.While the risk to the general population remains low due to existing immunity from vaccination or prior infection – a complete two-dose MMR vaccine schedule is 93% effective – public health officials are sounding the alarm.
Dr. Isaac Bogoch noted that while recent outbreaks in Ontario and Alberta,Canada are now controlled,”virus transmission in canada for over a year…caused us to lose elimination status.” The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) acknowledged the loss, stating it has “serious impacts on health and society, including preventable deaths among vulnerable populations,” tho it clarified there are “no formal consequences.”
In the United States, Dr. Paul Pavia explained the situation is driven by “sustained transmission and multiple outbreaks.” While some outbreaks, like those in New Mexico and Kansas, are currently contained, new cases continue to emerge in other states.
Experts attribute the setbacks to insufficient efforts to address declining vaccination rates and a weakening public health infrastructure. Dr. Pavia emphasized the need for increased support from the Department of health and Human Services (HHS),alongside restored funding for state and local health departments and a strengthened role for the CDC in outbreak response. “We also have to be able to intervene and contain these outbreaks quickly, so they don’t spread from state to state and become something very large,” he stated.
The United Kingdom previously lost its elimination status in 2019 but regained it in 2021. Currently, the Public Health Agency of Canada is actively working to restore its measles elimination status. Dr. Pavia believes restoring elimination status in the U.S. is achievable, but requires increased immunization rates and improved public health support.
