Staying Protected Against Measles: What You Need to Know

As measles cases continue to rise across the country, it's essential to think about your immunity to this highly contagious airborne illness. With 285 cases reported in the US last year, the most since 2019, and recent outbreaks in metro Atlanta, New Mexico, West Texas, Alaska, Rhode Island, and New York City, it's crucial to understand the risks and take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.

What is Measles?

Measles is a serious illness that can cause rash, fever, red eyes, and cough. In severe cases, it can lead to blindness, pneumonia, or encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and even be fatal. Before the introduction of the measles vaccine in 1963, the virus claimed an estimated 2.6 million lives worldwide each year. While vaccination has significantly reduced the number of cases, it's still a significant public health concern, especially in areas with lower vaccination rates.

The Best Protection: Vaccination

The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the most effective way to stay protected against measles. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the MMR vaccine is 93% effective against measles after one dose and 97% effective after two doses. Children should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine: the first dose between 12 and 15 months and the second around age 4, before starting school.

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

• Children who have not received the MMR vaccine should get vaccinated as soon as possible.
• Older children or adults who did not receive the vaccine as a child can also get vaccinated.
• People born before 1957 are likely to have been naturally infected and already have immunity.
• If someone is exposed to measles, getting the MMR vaccine within 72 hours could induce some protection or result in less serious illness.

Checking Your Immunity

Titer tests at a primary-care office can be used to check for immunity against measles. However, if you have received both recommended doses of the MMR vaccine or have had the measles itself, this may not be necessary. Titer tests are most useful for people who don't know their vaccination status or have weakened immune systems.

Do Adults Need Booster Shots?

If you were vaccinated with the first version of the measles vaccine (a killed-virus vaccine used between 1963 and 1968) or don't know which type of vaccine you received, the CDC recommends getting at least one dose of MMR. Those who received two doses of the current MMR vaccine will probably have measles immunity for their entire life. However, some people may choose to get an additional dose of the vaccine booster if they have low titers of antibodies after testing, but the benefit of this is uncertain.

Stay Informed and Protected

With declining vaccination rates and rising measles cases, it's essential to stay informed and take steps to protect yourself and your community. By getting vaccinated and staying up-to-date on your immunity, you can help prevent the spread of measles and keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Remember, vaccination is a public health issue, and by working together, we can prevent outbreaks and keep our communities healthy.