In a recent WABE segment addressing growing concerns about measles outbreaks, Atlanta-based physician Dr. Nicholas Church delivered a strong, thoughtful message encouraging the public to prioritize vaccination. His comments reflected a mix of public health urgency and practical guidance aimed at keeping communities safe.
Dr. Church opened by emphasizing that measles is highly contagious, much more so than many other viral infections. He pointed out that even brief exposure — as little as being in the same room with an infected person — can result in transmission if someone is unvaccinated. He warned that while measles was once nearly eliminated in the United States, declining vaccination rates have made new outbreaks a very real threat, especially in communities with low immunization coverage.
Central to Dr. Church’s message was the importance of the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella). He highlighted that two doses of the MMR vaccine offer roughly 97% protection against measles, making it one of the most effective vaccines available. Dr. Church strongly urged parents to ensure their children are fully vaccinated and encouraged adults to check their own vaccination status, particularly if they are unsure about receiving the second dose during childhood or if they plan to travel internationally.
Throughout his commentary, Dr. Church made it clear that vaccination is not just about individual protection — it’s also about protecting the most vulnerable members of the community. This includes infants too young to be vaccinated, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women. High vaccination rates help create herd immunity, which dramatically reduces the chance of outbreaks taking hold and spreading rapidly.
Dr. Church also took time to address vaccine hesitancy. He acknowledged that misinformation and fear surrounding vaccines remain persistent issues. However, he emphasized that the safety of the MMR vaccine is well-established through decades of research and monitoring. He reassured listeners that the risks of serious side effects are extremely low, especially when compared to the risks posed by an actual measles infection, which can lead to pneumonia, brain swelling (encephalitis), or death.
For those concerned about immediate action steps, Dr. Church advised scheduling a simple blood test called a titer to check immunity levels if vaccination records are unclear. If a person’s protection is found to be incomplete, receiving another dose of the MMR vaccine is safe and recommended.
In wrapping up, Dr. Church stressed the importance of acting now rather than waiting until outbreaks worsen. He called on everyone to see vaccination not just as a personal health decision, but as a social responsibility — one that protects neighbors, families, and entire communities from preventable suffering.
His focus on evidence-based medicine, public health responsibility, and practical next steps made his message both accessible and urgent: Get vaccinated, stay protected, and help stop the spread of measles before it gains ground.
