Health Risks and Misconceptions
Amid a measles outbreak, some parents are administering Vitamin A to unvaccinated children, believing it offers protection against the virus. However, medical experts clarify that Vitamin A does not prevent measles and excessive intake can lead to toxicity and liver damage.
Health and Human Services Secretary and other vaccine skeptics have promoted Vitamin A, despite its proven ineffectiveness in preventing measles. This has led to several unvaccinated children in , being hospitalized with signs of Vitamin A toxicity.
Vaccine Efficacy and Public Health Response
The MMR vaccine, with a 97% effectiveness rate after two doses, is the only proven method to prevent measles. Experts emphasize the importance of vaccination in controlling outbreaks, countering the misinformation spread by some health influencers.
The outbreak, affecting at least 378 people across 17 states, underscores the critical need for accurate information on measles prevention. Health officials urge the public to rely on vaccinations rather than unproven treatments like Vitamin A or cod liver oil.