Measles cases are surging globally. Should children be vaccinated earlier?

Jul 7, 2025

IDIE’s Associate Professor Meru Sheel, together with Associate Professor Anita Heywood (UNSW) discusses the alarming global resurgence of measles, highlighting a 20% increase in cases in 2023 due to declining vaccination rates and immunity gaps exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this The Conversation article, they examine the potential benefits and challenges of administering the measles vaccine to children earlier than the standard schedule, especially in high-risk areas. They weigh in on the balance between early protection for infants and the effectiveness of the vaccine when given at a younger age. The piece underscores the urgency of addressing vaccination delays and the importance of tailored strategies to curb the spread of this highly contagious disease.

Curious about the implications of early measles vaccination? Read the full article here.

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