Declining vaccination rates put U.S. measles-free status at risk

February 27, 2026

Providence Oregon News Team

March 2026

At Providence, caregivers encourage anyone with questions or concerns to talk with a trusted health care provider. Staying informed and up to date on vaccinations helps protect not only ourselves, but our families, neighbors, and communities.

Justin Jin, M.D., medical director of infection disease virtual care and digital health for Providence Medical Group Oregon recently spoke with KATU about why vaccination remains the most effective way to stop the spread of measles.

“The new reality is we’re probably going to be seeing sporadic measles year-round unless something changes dramatically as far as getting vaccination rates up,” Dr. Jin says.

According to national data, measles cases are rising quickly. More than 2,200 cases were reported in the U.S. last year, and over 1,100 cases have already been confirmed in the first two months of 2026 alone.

Despite decades of evidence showing the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective, vaccine hesitancy continues to be a barrier. Dr. Jin emphasizes that the risks of measles far outweigh the risks of vaccination.

“[Vaccination is] a lot less dangerous than getting a one-in-20 chance of developing pneumonia, a 20% chance of being hospitalized, or a one-in-1,000 chance of developing a brain infection,” he says.

Measles is one of the most contagious viruses known. A single infected person can spread it to up to 18 people who are not immune — often before symptoms appear.

Dr. Jin also says communitywide vaccination is critical, especially to protect our most vulnerable populations, including infants under 6 months old and immunocompromised patients.