If you were born prior to 1989, it’s time to check in with your healthcare provider about possibly receiving an additional dose of the measles vaccine. As the ongoing measles outbreak marks the most severe resurgence since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000, health experts are cautioning that many adults may not be as immune as they believe.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the measles vaccine for everyone over the age of one, administered in two doses. The first dose offers about 93% immunity, while the second increases that protection to 97%. However, during the 1980s, many individuals received only one dose, leaving a significant number of us (raises hand slowly) potentially unprotected.
The urgency for vaccine awareness escalates following reports, including the case of a vaccinated woman in Israel who contracted measles and fell into a coma. Dr. Samuel Greene from Israel’s Ministry of Health shared, “She was in good health before the infection. We are now just hoping for the best.”
Dr. Lisa Thompson, an infectious disease expert at a leading university, foresaw such outbreaks due to a growing number of unvaccinated populations. “We have a serious viral infection re-emerging among a group that is refusing vaccines for their children, and it’s spreading beyond that community,” she noted.
With measles cases rising to levels not seen in nearly two decades, the recommendation from health professionals to consider a second dose of the vaccine is crucial. As parents, we want to safeguard our children and those around us.
The current outbreak has prompted the FDA to reiterate the importance of vaccination. Dr. Emily Carter of the FDA emphasized, “The overwhelming scientific evidence indicates that vaccines are among the safest and most effective ways to prevent illness and protect public health.” Vaccination against measles, mumps, and rubella not only shields you and your family but also protects those unable to be vaccinated, such as children with weakened immune systems due to illnesses like cancer.
Measles is not merely a benign childhood sickness; according to the CDC, one in every 1,000 children who contracts measles may develop encephalitis, which can lead to convulsions, hearing loss, or even intellectual disabilities. In the U.S., 1 or 2 out of every 1,000 infected children may die from the disease, with global rates being even higher.
Given these serious risks, it’s perplexing why anyone would opt out of vaccinations if they are in good health. If you think you might need a second dose of the measles vaccine, be sure to reach out to your healthcare provider for more information. For anyone considering fertility treatments, this resource is an excellent place to start, along with additional insights from our post on boosting fertility supplements.
In conclusion, protecting ourselves and our communities from preventable diseases like measles is more important than ever.
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