America's Health Emergency

America is facing a public health emergency that we simply cannot ignore—measles outbreaks are spreading at an alarming rate across several states, including Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. The statistics are staggering: Texas has reported over 400 confirmed cases and tragically recorded the first measles-related death of a child in more than a decade. This is a wake-up call that we must heed immediately.

Why Are We in This Situation?

Once an eliminated disease in the U.S., measles is making a comeback due to dangerously low vaccination rates. Measles is one of the most contagious viruses known and can hospitalize about 20% of those infected, while it has a mortality rate of 1 in 1,000. Before the introduction of the measles vaccine in 1963, hundreds of thousands of cases were reported annually, often resulting in severe complications like pneumonia and encephalitis.

Just 25 years ago, vaccination efforts had nearly eradicated measles, achieving a staggering 95% vaccination rate necessary for herd immunity. However, complacency and misinformation have led to a decline in these rates, placing our children and communities at risk once again.

Lessons from Past Outbreaks

My experience as Hawaii's governor and during my tenure as lieutenant governor has underscored the importance of vaccination. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we successfully administered vaccines to over a million individuals in Hawaii, achieving one of the lowest infection rates in the nation. Similarly, in 2019, a measles outbreak devastated Samoa due to low vaccination rates, resulting in over 83 deaths, many of whom were children. A rapid vaccination campaign there demonstrated the power of vaccines in halting outbreaks.

The Current Vaccination Crisis

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as many as 14 states now report measles vaccination rates below the critical 90% threshold for kindergartners. In areas like Gaines County, Texas, nearly 20% of kindergartners are unvaccinated against measles—setting the stage for potential outbreaks.

This crisis is exacerbated by the troubling spread of anti-vaccine misinformation, which has led to a public misunderstanding of vaccination safety. Contrary to claims by some public figures that question the safety of the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella), extensive scientific research over the decades has proven its safety and efficacy, saving approximately 94 million lives globally.

A Call to Action: Four Essential Steps

In light of the ongoing outbreaks, I urge the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to mobilize an aggressive vaccination campaign immediately, focusing on four vital areas:

1. Education

Launch campaigns that provide factual, science-backed information about the safety and importance of vaccines. This needs to involve trusted local voices such as healthcare providers, community leaders, and educators who can counter misinformation effectively.

2. Community Engagement

Encourage communities to participate actively in public health initiatives. By listening to local concerns and fostering an open dialogue, we can build trust and increase vaccination rates.

3. Accessibility to Vaccines

Implement innovative solutions to make vaccines available to all, especially in underserved areas. Mobile vaccination units and partnerships with local organizations can ensure no child misses out due to accessibility issues.

4. Responsible Public Policy

Strengthen policies that require vaccinations for school entry, while allowing legitimate medical exemptions. Such regulations have historically kept immunization rates high and protected overall public health.

The Time to Act is Now!

The health and safety of our children and communities depend on our collective action. Our moral responsibility is to prevent further infections and protect the most vulnerable among us. Launching a dedicated emergency vaccination campaign is not just a necessity—it is an imperative. The time for complacency is over. Let’s rally together to safeguard the future of our children and prevent the resurgence of measles in the United States. Together, we have the power to protect America’s children.