May 2025 — Measles: How did we get here, and how bad is this? | Vaccine Education Center at CHOP

Dr. Paul Offit talks about the growing measles outbreak in the United States, explaining that the number of cases is higher than CDC reports, and how we know that. He says that underfunding and misinformation have hindered the response to the current epidemic and that vaccination is remarkably safe. Measles, Dr. Offit explains, is the most contagious infectious disease. “You don't have to have face-to-face contact with someone who's infected; you just have to be in their airspace within two hours of them being there.” He adds that most parents embrace vaccines and know they are important, and he urges parents to make it clear not only to their families and friends but to everyone around them that we need to protect our children from measles. To learn more about vaccines, please visit http://vaccine.chop.edu. Video created by and for the Vaccine Education Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The Vaccine Education Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (VEC at CHOP) is composed of scientists, physicians, mothers, and fathers devoted to the study and prevention of infectious diseases. The Center was launched in October 2000 to provide accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date information about vaccines and the diseases they prevent. If you have any questions about your child’s health, please contact your child’s doctor. This video is intended only to provide general education and not intended to create a doctor-patient relationship between you and The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). It is not medical advice or treatment, and CHOP is not responsible for any outcomes you or your child might experience from your use of this video. This video is provided “AS IS” with no warranties or representations. This video is copyright of CHOP. All rights reserved. ©2025 The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.