The measles outbreak continues to grow, with 378 cases reported across 18 jurisdictions in the U.S. as of March 20, 2025, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Texas has been particularly affected, with 309 cases, 40 hospitalizations, and one fatality reported as of March 21.
All of this underscores the urgent need to combat this growing outbreak.
Let’s look at how measles made its resurgence.
The comeback
Measles outbreaks surged to 37 in 2022, and the trend continued in 2023 with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the CDC estimating 10.3 million cases, a 20% increase from 2022.
But why?
Despite efforts to eliminate measles, this resurgence is attributed to declining childhood vaccination rates, the importation of the virus, and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to reduced routine vaccinations, increased vaccine hesitancy, and a decline in overall hospital employee health.
The front line of defense: Employee Health
Employee Health nurses stand at the forefront of preventing infectious diseases within healthcare facilities. And with the resurgence of measles, their role just became even more critical.
When paired with infection control nurses, these healthcare professionals form a dynamic duo dedicated to fortifying our main lines of defense — timely vaccination adherence. This collaborative effort is essential not only for individual health, but also for maintaining the overall safety and integrity of the healthcare environment. The right tools can also help Employee Health nurses bolster their organizations’ defenses.
The game-changer: employee immunization tracking
Managing a healthcare organization’s staff immunization status can be challenging. Many organizations are turning to employee immunization tracking software, which are digital solutions designed to streamline the management of immunization records. These software automate the monitoring, recording, and management of vaccination status, playing a crucial role in preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
Let’s dive into a few key aspects and benefits of tracking software – and how it can help combat outbreaks.
Key features of employee immunization tracking software
- Automated tracking: Eliminates manual record-keeping, ensuring accuracy and reducing human errors.
- Employee notifications: Alerts individuals and administrators about upcoming or overdue vaccinations.
- Compliance reporting: Generates comprehensive reports providing an overview of workforce immunization status.
The right immunization tracking software
The right software includes the above key features, and the benefits of those are: efficiency through automation, accurate and up-to-date records, proactive management of immunization status, and adherence to regulatory requirements. It’s also important to note that employee immunization tracking is crucial for both existing staff and new hire onboarding, ensuring new employees are up-to-date with their vaccinations from day one.
The Immuware platform
Our Immuware by Propelus platform goes beyond immunization tracking, encompassing various employee and occupational health programs. Its robust reporting and intuitive dashboards provide clear insights, helping organizations navigate regulatory requirements and maintain a compliant and safe workplace. Immuware makes vaccine management easy, allowing clinicians to verify and administer vaccinations efficiently, which is crucial during measles outbreaks.
The wrap-up
In the face of the measles resurgence, healthcare organizations must prioritize staff immunization. Employee health and safety, coupled with advanced software solutions like Immuware, are crucial for creating a safer and healthier environment for both patients and healthcare workers. By staying proactive and leveraging technology, we can prevent the spread of infectious diseases like measles.
Learn how Immuware can help you manage your immunizations and compliance reporting at Immuware.com.
