Mehmet Oz's vaccine call is 'too little, too late'

"In response to the growing number of cases across the United States the highest since 2000 Mehmet Oz, the former celebrity doctor who now serves as Donald Trump's administrator for the Medicare and Medicaid health insurance programs, has appealed to Americans to ensure they've had the measles vaccine. The US is still considered measles-free by international standards. But, unable to stem the rise of cases, it is expected to lose that status this year."

"Measles cases have risen for over a year in the US and the country is likely to lose its "measles-free" status. Other world regions had lower case numbers in 2025 but experts say this is unlikely to mark a sustained downward trend. Health professionals warn that vaccination responses from governments are not enough. Measles is still spreading in the US and calls to get the vaccine from government officials won't be enough to stem the tide."

Measles cases have risen for over a year in the United States, and the country is likely to lose its measles-free status as vaccination coverage falls below the 95% threshold. Other world regions experienced lower case numbers in 2025, but experts warn that this does not indicate a sustained global decline. Health professionals state that government vaccination responses have been insufficient to stop transmission. Mehmet Oz, administrator for Medicare and Medicaid, urged Americans to get the measles vaccine. US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr has cast doubt on vaccine safety and overseen changes to national vaccine recommendations, complicating messaging and uptake.

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