Measles Cases Surge in U.S.: Dr. Scott Gottlieb Warns Vaccination Is the Only Protection
As measles spreads across 18 U.S. states, especially in Texas and New Mexico, experts are urging parents to get their children vaccinated. In an interview on Face the Nation, Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former FDA commissioner and board member at Pfizer, shared important advice on how to stay protected from the virus.
Adults Likely Protected, But Children at Risk
Dr. Gottlieb said adults who received two doses of the measles vaccine during childhood are likely protected for life and do not need a booster. However, babies between six to twelve months old are at high risk, as their immunity from their mothers wears off, and they are still too young for the full vaccine protection.
Currently, children receive the first measles vaccine dose at 1 year and the second around age 4. Due to the outbreak, some experts now suggest giving a first early dose between 6 and 12 months, though it still needs to be followed by the regular schedule.
Alternative Treatments Are Not a Substitute for Vaccine
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently claimed that treatments like Budesonide (a steroid), Clarithromycin (an antibiotic), and cod liver oil (vitamins A & D) were helping patients recover quickly. However, Dr. Gottlieb rejected these claims.
He explained that these drugs are used only for serious hospital cases with lung infections or respiratory problems. They do not prevent measles. As for vitamin A, it may help malnourished children slightly, but there is no strong evidence it works for measles prevention.
“Talking about these treatments gives people a false impression,” Dr. Gottlieb warned. “There’s no cure once you have measles. Vaccination is the only real protection.”
No CDC Director During Public Health Crisis
The U.S. CDC currently has no director, as the previous nominee was withdrawn due to a lack of support in Congress. Two new names—Florida’s Surgeon General and former Texas Congressman Michael Burgess—are being considered.
Dr. Gottlieb stressed the importance of leadership, especially with the measles outbreak worsening. He praised Mike Burgess for his experience, including his past efforts in fighting opioid smuggling at U.S. postal facilities.
Health Research Programs Hit by Budget Cuts
Dr. Gottlieb also addressed the impact of federal budget cuts on major research institutions like Johns Hopkins, Columbia, and UPenn, which rely on government funding for medical studies.
He explained that the cuts are affecting different areas:
- Delays in new grant approvals
- Restrictions on research with certain countries like China
- Policy changes involving diversity (DEI) requirements
- Large-scale funding cuts to institutions
He warned that cutting grants for programs involving patients can seriously affect continuity of care, which is dangerous. Unlike websites that can be restored, medical programs involving real people need special attention before being defunded.
The rise in measles cases in the U.S. is a serious concern, and experts like Dr. Gottlieb are urging parents not to rely on alternative remedies. Vaccination remains the only effective way to protect children and communities.
As the government also struggles with leadership gaps and budget cuts in healthcare, quick and strategic decisions are needed to manage this public health threat and support essential research.