MEASLES

​There has been a lot in the news about the current outbreak of measles, and many people are asking about it, so we wanted to send out some information to everyone.
 
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses we know. It mostly presents as headache, fever, and rash, but one child out of 1000 with measles develops swelling of the brain which can lead to deafness, seizures, or even death. Adults who get measles oftentimes have complications more frequently than children do. Worldwide, approximately 120,000 people die each year from measles, including the recent first death we had in the US in over 10 years. Measles was thought to have been eradicated in the US because of universal vaccination, but over the last few decades, more and more parents have chosen not to vaccinate their children, so there is now a resurgence of measles in certain parts of the country.
 
The measles vaccine was initially licensed for use in 1963, and later it was combined with vaccines against mumps and rubella in 1971 (MMR). The initial vaccine was a live attenuated (weakened) vaccine which did cause some side effects in people, so a non-live vaccine was developed and given for several years. Unfortunately, this 2nd vaccine was not as effective and did not provide lifelong immunity, so that’s the reason that some adults should now get a booster if they were vaccinated around that time. In 1968, we started using a single shot of the live attenuated vaccine exclusively, and that one shot gives you 93% lifelong protection against measles, which we consider sufficient protection. In 1989, we started giving children a second shot, and the second shot increased the lifelong protection to 97%.
 
A very important thing to know is that the measles vaccine DOES NOT CAUSE AUTISM. This myth first started in 1998 when a group of physicians published a study of only 12 children, insinuating that the MMR vaccine caused autism. The lead author did not disclose that he was funded by lawyers who were suing vaccine-producing companies. Eventually, 10 of the 12 co-authors of that paper retracted the interpretation of the data stating, “no causal link was established between MMR vaccine and autism.” Eventually, the lead author was found guilty of deliberate fraud because he chose data that suited his case and falsified facts. Multiple studies have since shown that there is no link between vaccines and autism.
 
BOTTOM LINE: The measles vaccine is SAFE and EFFECTIVE.
 
WHO DOES NOT NEED A MEASLES BOOSTER?

• If you had measles as a child, as you have lifelong immunity
• If you were born before 1957, you are assumed to have natural immunity to measles because it was so prevalent before the first measles vaccine was developed
• If you have documentation that you received two measles vaccines as a child, as was customary after 1968
• If you have evidence of immunity with positive antibody testing as an adult
• If you are taking strong immunosuppressive medications such as chemotherapy, because the vaccine is a live vaccine and can cause side effects

 
WHO SHOULD DEFINITELY GET A MEASLES BOOSTER?

• If you were born between 1957-1968, you were likely vaccinated with an older measles vaccine that was not as effective, so you should get one additional dose of the MMR vaccine.

 
WHO SHOULD CONSIDER GETTING A MEASLES BOOSTER?

• If you were not born in the US and don’t know what measles vaccines you’ve had
• If you are traveling to an area where there is currently a measles outbreak
• If you are living with or in close contact with severely immunocompromised people

 
WHAT ABOUT TESTING?

• There is an antibody blood test to make sure you are immune to measles
• If you are born before 1957 or have documentation of two measles vaccines, you do not need to be tested
• If you are unsure of your vaccination status and want to be safe, you don’t need an antibody test. You can just get vaccinated at most pharmacies, as the vaccine is safe and effective

 
If you have additional questions, please reach out to the office.
  
Wynnshang Sun, M.D.
Casey Fulinara, PA-C