The elimination of measles in the United States by 1982—is it a realistic goal or an ambitious illusion, and is it worth the concentration of our efforts and energies? My answer is unequivocally yes!
I think the elimination of indigenous measles in this country is indeed a realistic goal, and I believe that evidence for that position can readily be found in the childhood immunization efforts of the past two years. As a pediatrician who practiced medicine before the introduction of effective vaccines, I am equally as convinced that the elimination of this childhood burden is well worth our attention and resources.
Elsewhere in this issue (p 1157), the reader will find an article by Hinman et al, which summarizes the background and rationale for the effort to reach this rather dramatic goal we have established for ourselves. I will try to avoid duplicating the issues addressed in that article,