The American Medical Association urged the public on July 24 to ensure they and their families are protected against measles, citing a continued surge in cases across the United States.
Toluwalasè A. Ajayi, M.D., board chair of the American Medical Association, said, “As measles cases continue to surge across the U.S., now is the time to make sure you and your family are protected. Getting vaccinated remains our strongest defense against this disease that is both highly contagious and entirely preventable.”
Ajayi said that measles can spread before people know they are sick and may cause serious complications such as pneumonia, brain swelling, blindness, and death. “When vaccination rates fall, the consequences are felt far beyond case counts—patients face preventable illness, families and communities are put at risk, and diseases like measles return and spread,” Ajayi said.
“The MMR vaccine has protected our communities for decades. There is no cure for measles, but vaccination is a safe and effective way to prevent it. Choosing to vaccinate protects not only you and your family, but also babies, people with weakened immune systems, and others who can’t be vaccinated. Protecting yourself helps protect your entire community,” Ajayi said. She encouraged anyone with questions about measles to speak with their doctor.
The American Medical Association operates throughout the United States in collaboration with state societies and specialty associations to enhance health care delivery standards nationwide; it represents physicians across the country through partnerships with over 190 state and specialty medical societies; its governance includes a Board of Trustees as well as a House of Delegates along with councils directing operations; it has influenced medical ethics standards while advocating for reforms in Medicare payments and addressing physician burnout—all contributing toward advancements in public health, according to the official website.