National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya said Sunday that he trusts the science behind childhood immunizations, urging parents to vaccinate their children as measles cases reach their highest levels in 35 years. Speaking on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,” Bhattacharya emphasized that standard childhood vaccines, including those for measles and DTP, remain essential for public health and school attendance.
Vaccination Rates and Herd Immunity Thresholds
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that during the 2024-2025 school year, only 10 states maintained measles vaccination coverage rates among kindergarteners above the 95% threshold required for herd immunity. This decline in coverage has coincided with the recent surge in measles cases across multiple states.
Bhattacharya, who has also served as acting CDC director, noted that recent outbreaks in Texas, Arizona, Utah, and South Carolina have been successfully addressed. He pointed to his own actions in February, when he appeared on camera to recommend vaccinations to help contain a measles outbreak in South Carolina, which he credited with helping to end that specific spike. “The best way to protect your kids from measles is to get the vaccine for measles,” Bhattacharya said.
Did you know?
Herd immunity for measles typically requires a vaccination rate of at least 95% within a population to prevent the spread of the virus, according to CDC data.
Public Trust and the Impact of Pandemic-Era Policies
Bhattacharya argued that a significant factor in current parental hesitancy is the loss of trust in public health institutions following the COVID-19 pandemic. He characterized the previous practice of discouraging school attendance due to the presence of unvaccinated children as a “tremendous mistake” that fueled fear and hindered public confidence.
“If you want to protect your kids from these sort of preventable diseases, yes, you should vaccinate your kids,” Bhattacharya stated. “But it is even more important that these kids go to school.” He cautioned against fearmongering, suggesting that parents can effectively manage individual risks through vaccination without creating social divisions.
Addressing Autism and Vaccine Research
Regarding reports that the White House is drafting an executive order concerning childhood vaccines and autism, Bhattacharya deferred to the administration on specific details. He acknowledged that the president and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are deeply concerned about the rising prevalence of autism.
Bhattacharya noted that as NIH director, he is focused on supporting rigorous scientific inquiry into the causes of the rise in autism. He expressed concern that the political climate surrounding vaccine discussions discourages researchers from pursuing the topic. “The fact that it gets so tied up with… vaccines or not vaccines, what it does is it sends a signal to scientists that if you work on this topic, you’re going to get destroyed if you get the wrong answer,” he said.
Pro Tip:
To verify the vaccination requirements for your local school district, consult your state’s department of health website, which provides the most accurate and current information on mandated immunizations for students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the 95% vaccination threshold important?
The 95% threshold is the level of coverage required to achieve herd immunity for measles, which prevents the virus from circulating within a community and protects those who cannot be vaccinated.
What is the current stance on the link between vaccines and autism?
While HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has previously promoted a connection between vaccines and autism, the scientific consensus has debunked this link. Dr. Bhattacharya noted that the NIH continues to research the complex causes of the rise in autism.
How are local measles outbreaks managed?
According to Dr. Bhattacharya, outbreaks are addressed by focusing on specific communities at high risk and promoting the importance of vaccination to those populations.
Have questions about your child’s immunization schedule? Consult your pediatrician for personalized medical advice. For more updates on public health policy, subscribe to our newsletter.
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