Measles could become ‘endemic’ with current US vaccination rates, study says

A new study in the journal JAMA shows measles could become endemic in the U.S. if vaccination rates don’t improve.

That’s despite its declared elimination in 2000.

Over a 25 year period, the researchers project almost 900,000 measles cases if rates stay the same.

They forecast about 11 million if vaccinations decline 10% and more than 51 million if they drop by half.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports outbreaks in west Texas and surrounding states, with some cases in other areas.

The CDC recommends children get their first dose of the measles vaccine when they’re 12 to 15 months old.

It says they should get the second between ages four and six.

That gives an estimated 97% immunity from the disease.