Story perspectives

Immunization Decline Risks Measles, Polio, and Brain Injuries

2/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Nature Reviews Neurology reports a review led by Felicia C. Chow, lead author, warning that declining immunization rates threaten public health.
The review links lower coverage to higher risks of measles, polio, and bacterial meningitis, which can cause brain infections and long-term disabilities.
It notes vaccine hesitancy and access barriers as key obstacles to immunization.
The authors urge action to deliver vaccines to all populations to prevent brain injuries that are preventable.

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Story summary

Nature Reviews Neurology reports a review led by Felicia C. Chow, lead author, warning that declining immunization rates threaten public health.
The review links lower coverage to higher risks of measles, polio, and bacterial meningitis, which can cause brain infections and long-term disabilities.
It notes vaccine hesitancy and access barriers as key obstacles to immunization.
The authors urge action to deliver vaccines to all populations to prevent brain injuries that are preventable.