Minnesota Congresswoman Kelly Morrison (DFL), who is also a doctor, was making the case for childhood vaccinations Friday, after another measles case is confirmed in the state and another death reported in Pennsylvania this week.
Health officials in Minnesota have seen a reduction from 3-5% in childhood vaccines over the last several years. Much of that has to do with the spread of misinformation.
"I know there is so much confusing and conflicting information out there, but please, I urge you to talk to your pediatrician," Rep. Morrison said. "They want to help. They want to make sure your kids grow up to be thriving adults, and they have the knowledge and the experience to help you keep your kids healthy and safe on that journey."
Health officials are also urging people to get the latest COVID vaccine as they significantly reduce serious hospitalization, disease, and death.
Most importantly, however, Morrison says ignore the noise and talk to your doctor.
"No one is saying don't question what you're being told," she adds. "Just make sure the voices you are hearing from include your trusted pediatrician. There is so much uncertainty in this world. There is so much that is out of our control, but vaccines are one tangible thing we can do to protect our kids."
The warnings from Morrison and others come as the country faces its worst year for measles since 1991. There have been seven reported measles-associated deaths in the last two years — more than the combined total of reported deaths over the previous three decades.
Pennsylvania officials have already reported four measles-associated deaths this year. None of the four were vaccinated, according to the state health department.
When state officials last month announced the first two of those deaths, it ignited a public feud between Gov. Josh Shapiro and Health and Human Services Sec. Robert Kennedy Jr. who has been a primary driver in the Trump administration's efforts to limit vaccinations in children.
"Let me be clear: You have a strong and steadfast friend in the White House. We've accomplished in 19 months things that would have seemed unthinkable two years ago,” he said this week to a group of anti-vaccine activists from an organization he once chaired.
Seven reported measles-as
Seven reported measles-associated deaths occurred in the last two years - more than the combined total over the previous three decades
