Measles: Don't Wait, Vaccinate

  • Published
  • By the 412th Medical Group
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  California is currently experiencing a large outbreak of measles. The outbreak started in December 2014 when at least 40 people who visited or worked at the Disneyland theme park in Orange County contracted measles which has now spread to six other states. As of Feb. 2, 2015, there have been 92 confirmed cases in California.

The 412th Medical Group is urging individuals and parents to vaccinate themselves and their children if they are not immunized. Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus and is easily spread through droplets in the air from an infected person's cough, sneeze, or any direct contact with an infected person's secretions from the nose or mouth and can remain viable for up to two hours on contaminated surfaces and in the air. Common signs and symptoms include high fever, runny nose, cough, conjunctivitis (pink eye) and a rash all over the body which may not occur during the fever. Severe complications are rare but may include pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling around the brain) and even death.

Prior to the development of the measles vaccination, this potentially fatal infection affected between three to four million persons in the United States and took the lives of 450 children annually, most of which were previously healthy.

Vaccination with two doses of the measles-containing vaccine is the most safe and effective way to prevent the disease. Studies show that 99 percent of persons who receive two doses of the measles vaccine develop immunity (protection against the disease). 

Current Centers for Disease Control recommendations are for ALL children to receive an initial vaccine at 12 to 15 months of age and a second booster dose between 4 to 6 years of age. If indicated (international travel or a confirmed exposure), a child may receive an additional dose prior to the booster as long as it has been at least 28 days since the initial vaccine was given.

Those individuals who have completed a two-part series of MMR immunizations are considered to be fully immunized. Should there be any question or concern regarding your immunity to the measles, please speak with your primary care physician.

Adults born after 1956 should get at least one dose of MMR vaccine, unless they can show proof that they were vaccinated or have a lab test (blood draw) that shows they are immune to measles. Certain adults (college students, international travelers, and healthcare personnel) may be more likely to be exposed to measles and should ask their health care provider if they are due to be vaccinated.
 
The measles outbreak has renewed a debate over the anti-vaccination movement. A small minority of parents have refused to allow their children to be vaccinated over fears that vaccines may have side effects--one being autism. Many well-designed studies have shown absolutely no association between the MMR vaccine (or any vaccine) and autism. You can read more on the CDC website about the studies and the many scientific groups that agree that MMR vaccine has no link to autism. 
Unvaccinated children and adults put others at risk. What you do for yourselves and your own kids does not just affect your family; it affects other families as well.

The 412th Medical Group strongly encourages you to protect your family and yourselves from this potentially fatal, preventable, disease by obtaining your MMR immunizations as soon as possible to prevent the spread of disease. If you have any questions or concerns please contact your health care provider or the 412th Immunizations Clinic at 661-277-3427. For more information, please check out the following reputable websites:  www.healthychildren.org; www.aap.org; www.cdc.gov.