Physicians Reaffirm Importance of Vaccines Amid Measles Outbreak

PHOENIX, Arizona — As millions of children across the state return to classrooms, the Arizona Medical Association (ArMA), the Arizona Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AzAAP), and the Arizona Academy of Family Physicians (AzAFP) are reaffirming the importance of vaccinations in protecting children’s health and the well-being of our communities.

Vaccines remain one of the most effective tools in modern medicine, preventing the spread of infectious diseases that once posed widespread threats. However, declining childhood vaccination rates in Arizona and nationwide are placing families at increased risk — particularly from measles, a disease that had been eliminated in the U.S. but is now re-emerging.

“Before a vaccine was developed, millions of children, teens, and adults suffered from measles,” stated Dr. Pamela Murphy, chair of ArMA’s Public Health Committee and pediatrician in Phoenix. “The history of this disease in the U.S. demonstrates our vulnerability should vaccination rates continue to decline. We risk a resurgence of avoidable diseases and with them, preventable hospitalizations, complications, and deaths.”

This year, the nation is experiencing the highest number of measles cases in 33 years, with more than 1,350 confirmed infections, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. Arizona is not immune to this trend, especially as neighboring states, including Texas, experience severe outbreaks. With at least four cases already reported within the state, physicians anticipate further spread as children gather in schools, at sporting events, and in other group settings.

"Vaccines are one of the greatest and most reliable forms of modern medicine,” said Dr. Sarah Coles, an ArMA Board of Directors member, AzAFP member, and family medicine physician in Flagstaff. “Without them, millions of patients would unnecessarily suffer from preventable diseases and related complications each year.”

While skepticism toward science and medicine has increased, physicians remain among the most trusted professionals in the country. Their guidance is grounded in decades of rigorous research and public health experience.

“We have decades of science and everyday experience to confirm that vaccines are safe and effective. There is no doubt about it in my mind: vaccines save lives. If I had any reservations, I wouldn’t have gotten vaccinated myself, and I wouldn’t have vaccinated my own children. I have seen how devastating vaccine-preventable infections can be firsthand. The doctors who trained me lived in a time when that wasn’t possible. We are truly fortunate to live in an era where we can prevent these terrible infections,” said Dr. Nathan Price, AzAAP Infectious Disease and Immunizations Medical Director and pediatric infectious disease specialist in Tucson.

Generations of physicians and medical researchers carefully developed vaccines with a vested interest in protecting communities and saving lives. By dedicating their careers to vaccine development, these individuals have prevented millions of children and adults from dying due to diseases such as pertussis, diphtheria, and measles.

“Parents can breathe a sigh of relief knowing our children are protected from some truly horrible infectious illnesses,” stated Dr. Scott Olson, AzAAP Infectious Disease and Immunizations Medical Director and pediatric infectious disease specialist in Tucson. “While any medication or treatment can potentially cause side effects, vaccination has been proven as a safe and effective means of protecting ourselves against life-threatening diseases without taking the associated risks of acquiring immunity through exposure to infection. That’s why my children have received all recommended childhood vaccines, and thanks to my time in the U.S. Navy, I have received all my adult vaccines.”

The Arizona Medical Association, the Arizona Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Arizona Academy of Family Physicians urge all parents to consult with their child’s physician and ensure their vaccinations are up to date. Protecting one child’s health helps protect our entire community.

“With the measles outbreak, we are seeing children and adults die. We know that many more will develop brain disease, the effects of which can be permanent. If you want to avoid risk, the best way to do it is to get vaccinated,” Dr. Price continued.

“Physicians have done the research, the reading, and the testing,” Dr. Coles reiterated. “I am vaccinated, my family is vaccinated, and I urge the same for my patients.”