The role of vaccine exemptions in the resurgence of measles.

Avril Nimblett-Clarke

JAAPA : official journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants 2021 Feb 01

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Measles (rubeola) is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable illness. Since 2014, a resurging trend has been noted in the incidence of measles, an illness once eliminated. Low vaccination rates contribute to its resurgence. The most compelling reason for low vaccination rates is the availability and prevalence of nonmedical exemptions (NME), which are primarily based on religious and philosophical beliefs. This article reviews the effect of NMEs in measles resurgence and the moral and legal implications of these exemptions. Clinicians should be aware of this trend and be ready to educate and evaluate the validity of NME requests. Copyright © 2021 American Academy of Physician Assistants.

Citation

Avril Nimblett-Clarke. The role of vaccine exemptions in the resurgence of measles. JAAPA : official journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. 2021 Feb 01;34(2):36-40