Dr. Priya Soni, a pediatric infectious diseases specialist at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, credits her early life lessons in hygiene from her mother—a microbiologist—as the foundation for her fascinating journey into medicine. From childhood hand-washing drills to thoughtful discussions about germs, her mother’s influence made science a captivating world, leading Soni to believe deeply in the importance of combating infections and promoting vaccines.

In an exclusive interview for “The Experts Say” series by the American Heart Association, Dr. Soni reflects on her educational path, revealing her drive to pursue pediatrics blossomed during medical school after years of working with children through babysitting and teaching cultural education at her temple. Her transformative experience volunteering in global health projects, particularly in Guyana, further fueled her commitment to infectious diseases. There, she met a young boy suffering from HIV, highlighting the cruel ripple effects of infections on families and communities, particularly in under-resourced areas.

Soni emphasizes the astonishing responsibility that comes with safeguarding a child's health: preventing an illness can drastically alter the trajectory of their entire life. She is determined to continue her mother’s legacy by educating her own children about the presence of microbes in the world, encouraging them to see the science behind these invisible organisms as a narrative worth exploring.

In light of the resurgence of measles in the United States—after it was declared eliminated in 2000—Soni warns about the dangers of vaccine hesitancy. With current outbreaks primarily affecting communities where vaccination rates have dropped, she underscores that measles is one of the most contagious diseases known, with a staggering 90% infection rate among the unvaccinated.

The consequences of measles can be severe, causing complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and even death. Most vulnerable are unvaccinated children, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems. Dr. Soni elucidates that measles can lead to long-term health issues, including myocarditis (heart inflammation) and a rare but devastating condition known as subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), which can appear up to ten years post-infection, leading to neurological decline.

Luckily, the measles vaccine, part of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) series, boasts a remarkable efficacy rate of nearly 97% after two doses. This live vaccine has become instrumental in preventing outbreaks and protecting the health of communities.

The schedule for the measles vaccine dictates that children receive their first dose between 12 and 15 months, with a second dose between 4 and 6 years. Adults born before 1957 or those vaccinated before 1968 are advised to get revaccinated due to outdated vaccine strains.

Beyond her medical expertise, Dr. Soni actively engages in community outreach, hosting sessions in Los Angeles schools to confront vaccine misconceptions head-on. She encourages parents to communicate openly with pediatricians, dismantling myths about vaccines and highlighting their crucial role in training immune systems against disease.

Dr. Soni’s unwavering dedication to infectious diseases and public health serves as a beacon of hope during times of vaccine skepticism. With her mother’s wise teachings as her guide, she continues to inspire the next generation to embrace scientific curiosity and advocate for health. The fight against misinformation and infections remains vital, and Dr. Soni is at the forefront, ensuring that science is not only understood but celebrated.