Measles resurgence in the U.S. raises concerns over increased reluctance

In the year 2000, the United States boasted a significant victory over measles, declared eliminated thanks to widespread immunization efforts. However, a troubling trend has emerged, with measles cases now reported across the country, from California to Vermont. This resurgence can be attributed to an alarming increase in vaccine exemptions, with more families opting out of routine immunizations than ever before, as of 2023.

The Role of Vaccine Hesitancy

Dr. Howard Markel, a medical historian retired from the University of Michigan, expressed his disbelief at the prominent presence of anti-vax voices, particularly given the advancements available in tackling infectious diseases today, such as vaccines, antivirals, and antibiotics. He emphasized the severity of measles, a preventable and highly contagious disease that can have fatal consequences.

Vaccine hesitancy, a phenomenon as old as the United States itself, has deep historical roots. Dr. Markel traced its origins back to the 1700s when the colonies were grappling with smallpox. During this time, an early form of immunization called variolation was introduced, involving the inoculation of individuals with infectious material from smallpox scars. This method was risky and often resulted in severe illness or even death for some recipients. Notably, Benjamin Franklin refrained from subjecting his sickly four-year-old son to this perilous procedure, a decision he later deeply regretted, as the disease ultimately claimed the child's life.

Supreme Court's Ruling and Vaccine Acceptance

The widespread implementation of a much safer smallpox vaccine in the 1800s marked a turning point, leading to mandatory vaccinations in various cities and states, including the University of California at Berkeley in 1902. However, this requirement met with fierce opposition from students and community members, sparking a wave of resistance. The issue reached the United States Supreme Court, which ruled in 1905 that the government had the authority to compel vaccinations. This landmark decision invigorated anti-vaccine groups, with proponents of cautious vaccination viewing themselves as champions of individual liberty.

The 1950s witnessed a resurgence of public health initiatives aimed at combating polio, a disease that instilled fear among American parents. The invention of the polio vaccine by Dr. Jonas Salk positioned him as a national hero. This period marked a peak in vaccine acceptance and led to the development of vaccines for other diseases, including measles, mumps, and rubella. As vaccination rates surged, the incidence of these diseases plummeted. However, the counterculture movement of the 1960s brought forth a wave of skepticism towards vaccines, with citizens demanding transparency about the purpose, origin, and composition of vaccines.