Take the vaccine, please: Dr. Oz urges US as measles cases rise

Published: Monday, February 9, 2026 at 11:00 am

Dr. Oz Urges Vaccination as Measles Cases Rise Across the U.S.

Washington, D.C. - Amid rising measles cases across several states, a leading U.S. health official is urging Americans to get vaccinated. Dr. Mehmet Oz, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator, emphasized the importance of measles vaccination during a recent interview, highlighting the disease's severity and the availability of the vaccine.

Outbreaks have been reported in multiple states, including South Carolina, which has surpassed the case count of a previous outbreak in Texas. The outbreaks are primarily affecting children, coinciding with growing public distrust of vaccines.

Dr. Oz's comments come as the administration has revised some federal vaccine recommendations, a move that has drawn criticism. The administration's stance on vaccines has been a subject of debate, with some officials expressing skepticism about the efficacy of vaccines while also advocating for measles vaccination.

The administration's approach to vaccines has been described as mixed, with officials attempting to balance criticism of past vaccine policy with established scientific consensus. This has included statements about the potential for negative health side effects from vaccines, while also acknowledging that no single vaccine causes autism.

The debate over vaccines has been further complicated by the influence of anti-vaccine activists and misinformation, particularly during the coronavirus pandemic. The administration has cited the need to restore trust in public health systems after the pandemic, when vaccine policy became a highly polarizing topic.

BNN's Perspective: The rise in measles cases and the ongoing debate surrounding vaccines highlight the need for clear and consistent messaging from health officials. While acknowledging the importance of individual choice, it is crucial to emphasize the scientific consensus on vaccine safety and effectiveness to protect public health.

Keywords: measles, vaccines, vaccination, outbreaks, Dr. Oz, public health, autism, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., health policy, vaccine recommendations

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