The U.S Surgeon General has enlisted Elmo to urge American children to get vaccinated in the wake of recent national debate over the right to refuse immunization. A campaign video sees Dr Vivek Murthy and the Sesame Street favourite go through the process of getting vaccinated and explaining to children (and parents) why it is so important. In what appears to be a direct response to anti-vaccination campaigners, Elmo and Dr Murthy questions why everybody does not get a shot. Scroll down for video . Campaign: Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and Elmo explain why getting vaccinated is crucial to keep other children safe and healthy . As Dr Murthy visits Sesame Street, Elmo tells him he is 'worried about getting a shot,' asking the Surgeon General: 'Why does everyone need a vaccination, anyway?' In response Dr Murthy compares getting vaccinated to using an umbrella when it rains and wearing a helmet on a bike. This calms Elmo who gets the shot he needs, and after realising how quick and painless it is to get a shot, he asks Dr Murthy whey everybody doesn't get a vaccination? 'That's a good question, Elmo,' Murthy says, looking at the camera. 'That's a good question.' The video, produced by the Daily Dot, is accompanied by a shorter 30-second video of Elmo and the Surgeon General released by the Department of Health and Human Services. Important message: Dr Murthy explains that the best way Elmo can help him to do his job and keeping Americans healthy, is by getting 'all his Sesame Street friends' vaccinated too . It sees Dr Murthy explains that the best way Elmo can help him to do his job and keeping Americans healthy, is by getting 'all his Sesame Street friends' vaccinated too. The campaign videos have been released in the wake of a measles outbreak that started at Disneyland in December, sickened 147 people in the U.S., which has seen the debate over vaccination flare up. Officials at the California Department of Public Health said no new infections have been reported for the past 42 days — or two incubation periods — meaning the outbreak is over in the U.S. Many who fell ill in the Disneyland episode were not immunized against measles. Some cited personal reasons for refusing shots, and others were too young to get the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine. In California, where 131 of the 147 measles cases could be found, a vaccination bill has generated intense debates pitting personal rights against public health. The campaign videos have been released amidst debate across the United States over whether vaccines should be compulsory in the wake of a measles outbreak that started at Disneyland in December . The measure would bar parents from seeking vaccine exemptions for their children because of religious or personal beliefs, joining California with Mississippi and West Virginia in such strict requirements. Medical waivers would only be available for children with health problems, forcing unvaccinated children to be homeschooled. California lawmakers were set to vote on the bill last week, but this was postponed by supporters postponed so authors could work on revisions to address concerns raised in the Senate Education Committee. The proposal's lead author, Sen. Richard Pan, a Democratic pediatrician from Sacramento, said he is confident he can clarify his bill so lawmakers are comfortable in supporting his bill. 'Every child deserves an opportunity at education,' Pan said, 'and every child deserves an opportunity to be safe at school.'
Surgeon General Vivek Murthy enlists Elmo for pro-vaccine campaign . Video sees Dr Murthy explain to Elmo why vaccines are important . Released in the wake of recent measles outbreak in North America . Started at Disneyland in California, and sickened 147 people in the U.S.