Story perspectives

CDC Director Urges Measles Vaccination Amid Outbreak

3/3/2026

Center

Bhattacharya Advocates Vaccination

Jay Bhattacharya, the new acting director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, urged Americans to vaccinate against measles.
This contrasts with former CDC head Jim O'Neill's skepticism about vaccine safety.
South Carolina reports 985 measles cases, part of 1,136 nationwide confirmed in 2026.
The CDC is mobilizing resources to help South Carolina manage the outbreak and preserve measles elimination status.

Left

Bhattacharya Promotes Prevention

Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, acting director of the CDC, was warmly welcomed by federal employees.
He replaced Jim O'Neill, who lacked medical training.
Bhattacharya previously opposed Covid vaccine mandates but supports childhood vaccinations and will publicly endorse the measles vaccine.
He emphasized prevention against HIV and aims to extend remote work options for CDC staff.
His focus is on infectious disease prevention and restoring public trust in the agency.

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Bhattacharya Advocates Vaccination

Jay Bhattacharya, the new acting director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, urged Americans to vaccinate against measles.
This contrasts with former CDC head Jim O'Neill's skepticism about vaccine safety.
South Carolina reports 985 measles cases, part of 1,136 nationwide confirmed in 2026.
The CDC is mobilizing resources to help South Carolina manage the outbreak and preserve measles elimination status.

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