Dr. Mehmet Oz, the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), issued a direct public appeal for Americans to get vaccinated against measles. Appearing on CNN’s State of the Union, Dr. Oz stated, “Take the vaccine, please. We have a solution for our problem.”
This plea comes at a critical juncture as the United States faces its most significant measles resurgence in decades, threatening the “elimination status” the country has held since 2000.
Current Outbreak Context: February 2026
The resurgence of measles has reached alarming levels in early 2026, with health officials identifying hundreds of cases across multiple states.
South Carolina Outbreak: Currently the most severe, with over 920 confirmed cases as of February 5. Officials note that the vast majority of patients are unvaccinated.
National Statistics: In January 2026 alone, the U.S. recorded 25% of the total cases confirmed in all of 2025. Over 733 cases have been confirmed nationwide so far this year.
Regional Hotspots: Notable clusters have been identified along the Utah-Arizona border and in Florida, where a campus-based outbreak continues to grow.
Policy and Messaging Conflict
Dr. Oz’s definitive endorsement of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine marks a notable shift in tone from other segments of the administration.
| Issue | Dr. Mehmet Oz (CMS) | RFK Jr. (HHS Secretary) |
| Measles Stance | “You should get your vaccine… [it] is part of the core schedule.” | Has previously called it a “personal choice” and questioned its longevity. |
| Fear of Disease | Responded “Oh, for sure” when asked if people should fear measles. | His affiliated non-profit stated, “There’s no reason to fear measles.” |
| Insurance Coverage | Confirmed Medicare and Medicaid will continue to cover the MMR shot. | Has focused on “re-evaluating” the overall childhood vaccine schedule. |
Despite these differences, Dr. Oz defended the administration, claiming that Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has “advocated for measles vaccines all along.” He cited Kennedy’s response to an earlier 2025 outbreak in Texas as evidence of this support.
Why the Urgency?
Public health experts warn that the U.S. is on the verge of losing its “measles elimination” designation, a status maintained for 26 years.
High Contagion: Measles is one of the most infectious viruses; it can infect up to 90% of unvaccinated individuals who come into contact with a single carrier.
Childhood Vulnerability: The current 2026 outbreaks are predominantly affecting children. In 2025, a similar spike led to two deaths among unvaccinated children in Texas.
Public Trust: Dr. Oz emphasized that while “not all illnesses are equally dangerous,” the severity and preventability of measles make the vaccine a necessity for community safety.
