Transcript: Dr. Scott Gottlieb Discusses Measles Outbreak and Vaccine Hesitancy
On February 8, 2026, Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former FDA commissioner and current board member of Pfizer and United Healthcare, shared his insights on the alarming rise of measles cases during an interview.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Welcome back, Dr. Gottlieb. Your predictions often carry weight, and last year you expressed serious concerns about a measles outbreak. Now, with South Carolina reporting around 900 cases—the largest since measles was declared eliminated—what's your take on mass gatherings? Should we be worried?
DR. SCOTT GOTTLIEB: At this moment, I don’t think mass gatherings pose a significant risk. However, the situation is likely to worsen before it improves. Last year, we recorded 2,000 cases; this year, we’re already at 750. By year’s end, expect that number to rise significantly. The majority of infections are occurring in children aged five to 17, not toddlers. Vaccination rates among younger children are declining, which is part of a broader trend against pediatric vaccines in the U.S. As these unvaccinated children enter school, we can anticipate larger outbreaks.
Reflecting on the early 1990s, there were approximately 25,000 measles cases in 1991 alone. Vaccination rates dipped to about 88% during that decade. Currently, while the national average is around 90%, some states are alarmingly low—Alaska at 81%, for instance. This decline in vaccination rates is concerning and will likely continue as unvaccinated children age.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Those statistics are indeed troubling, especially since they indicate we're below herd immunity levels. It seems this issue extends beyond the U.S., with several countries losing their measles elimination status. Is this indicative of a global anti-vaccine movement?
DR. SCOTT GOTTLIEB: Absolutely. Much of this stems from the COVID-19 pandemic, where individuals felt pressured to receive vaccines despite their hesitations due to state mandates. I warned that such actions could foster an anti-vaccine backlash, which we are witnessing now. This sentiment has empowered long-standing anti-vaccine advocates who are now influencing health policy decisions at various levels, including the Department of Health and Human Services.
Moreover, it’s not just measles; we’re also seeing declines in vaccinations for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. Pertussis outbreaks are on the rise as well. The contagious nature of measles cannot be overstated—herd immunity requires about 95% vaccination in communities, yet many areas fall significantly short. For example, South Carolina and Texas are currently experiencing outbreaks.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Recently, Dr. Jay Bhattacharya from NIH emphasized the importance of getting vaccinated against measles during a hearing but faced tough questions regarding vaccines and autism.
[SOT]
SEN. BERNIE SANDERS: Do vaccines cause autism? Tell that to the American people, yes or no.
JAY BHATTACHARYA: No, I do not believe that the measles vaccine causes autism.
SEN. SANDERS: I didn't ask about measles specifically. Do vaccines cause autism?
JAY BHATTACHARYA: I have not seen a study that suggests any single vaccine causes autism.
[END SOT]
MARGARET BRENNAN: His comments sparked confusion as he later claimed he was mischaracterized. Why is there such muddled messaging?
DR. SCOTT GOTTLIEB: Many officials within the administration seem hesitant to contradict Secretary Kennedy, who has historically supported anti-vaccine sentiments. His position amplifies these views within official policy frameworks. Dr. Bhattacharya’s remarks were carefully crafted; he specified that no single vaccine causes autism, focusing primarily on the MMR vaccine. His subsequent clarification indicates a reluctance to oppose the secretary's stance.
MARGARET BRENNAN: You’ve also written about your personal cancer experience linked to past viral infections. Can you elaborate?
DR. SCOTT GOTTLIEB: Certainly. A significant aspect of anti-vaccine rhetoric is the belief that these infections aren’t serious enough to warrant vaccination risks. That’s a dangerous misconception. My experience with Epstein-Barr Virus led to B cell lymphoma; other viruses have been linked to serious conditions like Alzheimer’s and diabetes. The long-term consequences of viral infections are real and should not be dismissed.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Thank you for sharing your insights today, Dr. Gottlieb. We appreciate your time.
