In this episode of Kid’s Corner, IMA Senior Fellow and pediatrician Dr. Elizabeth Mumper delves into the complexities of measles and the MMR vaccine. Dr. Mumper discusses how natural measles infection provides lifelong immunity, while the MMR vaccine does not, and challenges the mainstream narrative that blames unvaccinated individuals for outbreaks. She shares real-life studies showing that even those with up-to-date vaccinations are affected by measles, casting doubt on the goal of eliminating the disease. Dr. Mumper also highlights the unintended consequences of the MMR vaccine, including the shift in measles risk to older populations and individuals with compromised immune systems. Dr. Mumper notes that her analysis of measles applies to those in developed countries, and that it would be quite different if she was practicing pediatrics in a developing country.

Tune in for part one of this important first episode in a three-part series on measles, with future episodes covering the real risks of measles, treatment, and more.

References:

Gustafson, Tracy L., Alan W. Lievens, Philip A. Brunell, Ronald G. Moellenberg, Christopher MG Buttery, and Lynne M. Sehulster. “Measles outbreak in a fully immunized secondary-school population.” New England journal of medicine 316, no. 13 (1987): 771-774.

Davis, Ronald M., ERIC D. WHITMAN, Walter A. Orenstein, Stephen R. Preblud, Lauri E. Markowitz, and Alan R. Hinman. “A persistent outbreak of measles despite appropriate prevention and control measures.” American journal of epidemiology 126, no. 3 (1987): 438-449.

Hersh, Bradley S., Lauri E. Markowitz, Richard E. Hoffman, Daniel R. Hoff, Mary J. Doran, Jessica C. Fleishman, Stephe R. Preblud, and Walter A. Orenstein. “A measles outbreak at a college with a prematriculation immunization requirement.” American journal of public health 81, no. 3 (1991): 360-364.