Prior to the development of a vaccine, about 500,000 people developed measles in the United States annually; 50% of persons contracted the disease by age 6 years and 90% by age 15 years. In 1963 both a killed measles vaccine (KMV) and a live, attenuated vaccine were licensed. Since 1969 only live attenuated vaccine has been used in this country. At the time of original licensure in 1963, the recommended age of vaccination in the United States was 9 months. The recommended age was raised to 12 months in 1965 and to 15 months in 1976. Compared with the pre-vaccination era, the occurrence of measles in the U.S. declined by more than 99% by the late 1980s. However, measles cases increased in 1989-1991, and a two-dose strategy was adopted. After the adoption of the two-dose strategy and a substantial increase in immunization program resources, measles cases again declined. Since 1997, fewer than 140 cases of measles have been reported each year in the United Sates, almost all of which could be traced to imported cases. The provisional total for 2002 was a record low of 37 cases.

The above information was accurate up to 2002. Since then, the anti-vaccination movement and declining rates of immunization to preventable childhood diseases has led to a series of outbreaks in the last decade. Research the arguments of both sides, and address the concerns of the anti-vaccination movement with good, solid epidemiology.

Question: create an op-ed or blog piece 500 words that addresses the lay-person and alleviates their anxiety and concerns about vaccination.

Question: What else can public health and medical professionals do to ensure a high vaccination rate?

Question: What other measures or legislation may be necessary to decrease the risk of future measles outbreaks (and those of other preventable diseases)?

Remember to cite all sources. Make sure to use at least 2 scholarly journal articles, and at least 2 credible medical websites.