What will it take to get measles under control?

Clinton's Historic Push for Vaccination

In 1993, President Bill Clinton initiated a significant campaign aimed at improving childhood vaccination rates in response to a measles outbreak that affected over 55,000 people, predominantly children. This effort culminated in the passage of the Comprehensive Childhood Immunization Act, which allowed the government to purchase vaccines at lowered prices and provide them free of charge for many children. By the end of Clinton's presidency, this initiative had led to the World Health Organization declaring the elimination of measles in the United States, highlighting the success of federal support in combating infectious diseases. The historical context underscores the importance of governmental action in public health, especially regarding vaccine accessibility during outbreaks.