The current measles outbreak in West Texas has spread to neighboring states New Mexico and Oklahoma, and the Centers for Disease Control warns that “more cases are expected as this outbreak continues to expand rapidly.” There are now 258 total cases across the three states, according to CNN.
It’s not only those three states, however. Measles cases have been reported in Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont, per AP.
With the elevated risk of contracting measles, some people are now wondering if their vaccines are working to protect them from this contagious virus — or if they need another vaccination on top of the shots they may have already gotten. Here’s what the experts have to say.
What are the signs of a measles infection?
Measles is one of the world’s most contagious viruses with a number of symptoms to look out for — most notably a rash and fever, according to the CDC. The virus is spread through the air, and once infected, measles attacks your respiratory tract.
The Cleveland Clinic notes that there is no cure for measles, and measles just has to “run its course.” However, the best protection from it is a measles vaccine, which is typically given to babies in the form of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine.
Measles typically manifests at first as a “very specific rash that starts from the face and spreads down your body,” says Dr. Yoshua Quinones, board-certified internist with Medical Offices of Manhattan and contributor to LabFinder. Other common side symptoms to watch out for include “high fever, cough, runny nose and watery or red eyes.”
Quinones adds, “Occasionally, you may see small white spots inside your mouth. These are named Koplik spots.”
While measles can and will make anyone sick, the CDC reports that it is especially dangerous for children under 5 years old. This is because children have undeveloped immune systems and are at a higher risk of illnesses, making them vulnerable — and it’s even more so if they haven’t been vaccinated.
How does the measles vaccine work?
The measles vaccine protects people from getting measles. It’s known as the MMR, since it’s combined with the vaccines for mumps (a contagious viral infection that affects the salivary glands) and rubella (another contagious viral infection that typically starts with a red facial rash). You may also see the MMRV, which includes a vaccine for varicella or chickenpox.
“The vaccine is a live virus that is introducing a very weak form of measles so your body can practice fighting it off,” says Quinones. “This will prepare your immune system to fight against measles if you’re exposed.”
One dosage is typically given during infancy, with a second dosage to follow a few years later. The vaccination is especially important for children because their immune systems are weaker. This is why both doses are recommended before they are in school, where they will be exposed to more children (and more germs).
The MMR vaccine is typically given to children in two doses early in life, but adults can receive it too.
Who should get the measles vaccine?
Measles vaccines are typically given to all children. The first vaccine is usually given between 12 and 15 months of age and the second one is given between 4 and 6 years of age before children go to school, according to the CDC. The ages can vary, though, as long as the doses are properly spaced out.
Vaccines can also be given to adults who haven’t previously been vaccinated or are not immune, though they typically only get one dose. Dr. Omar Al-Heeti, an assistant professor of medicine at Southern Illinois University who practices internal medicine with a specialty in infectious diseases, one of CNET’s medical reviews, adds that adults born during or after 1957 should have at least one dose of the MMR vaccine, or presumptive evidence of immunity.
According to Dr. Al-Heeti, presumptive evidence of immunity is defined as one of the following:
- Written documentation of vaccination with two doses of live measles or MMR vaccine administered at least 28 days apart
- Laboratory evidence of immunity (positive serum IgG)
- Laboratory confirmation of disease
- Birth before 1957 (According to the CDC, although birth before 1957 is considered presumptive evidence of immunity, for unvaccinated healthcare personnel (HCP) born before 1957 who lack laboratory evidence of measles immunity or laboratory confirmation of disease, healthcare facilities should consider vaccinating personnel with two doses of MMR vaccine at the appropriate interval.)
The CDC recommends that adults who work in the healthcare field, attend college/university or travel internationally get two doses separated by at least 28 days, as they are deemed to be at higher risk for acquiring the infection.
Should you a measles booster if you were already vaccinated?
Despite the ongoing measles outbreak, there is likely no need to get an additional measles vaccine — unless you aren’t fully vaccinated already or have proven immunity (previous infection/exposure).
“If someone is fully vaccinated against measles (two doses) and has not had a major immunocompromising condition occur (e.g., organ transplant), their immunity should be sufficient with no need for further dosages,” says Dr. Amesh A. Adalja, MD, FACP, FACEP, FIDSA, a senior scholar at Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.
The first measles vaccine dose is usually given to infants and toddlers, with the second dose given during the childhood years. If the second dose was never given, someone could be at higher risk for measles and would, in fact, benefit from another measles vaccine now.
A recent report noted that some people originally vaccinated in the 1970s and 1980s may need a new vaccine because the original wore off. This could be because they were only given one dose and the vaccine has evolved since then, and it was potentially not caught in some people’s medical records.
“If you already have your full series, you don’t need an additional dose; however, I highly recommend checking your titers if you have any doubts,” Quinones says. “An extra shot will never add extra protection because you’re very well protected.” According to Mount Sinai, an antibody titer test measures the level of antibodies in a blood sample to see which vaccines you may need.
Ask your primary care doctor to check your vaccination status to see if your MMR vaccination is up to date and to see if you may need a booster. If it’s current and you are not immunocompromised, you likely do not need an extra shot. The CDC also notes that adults who have received a single dose and have “presumptive evidence of immunity” — documentation of vaccination or immunity — don’t need to get another one.
If you’re already protected from measles, a booster won’t provide extra protection.
Who shouldn’t get the measles vaccine?
While the measles vaccine is generally considered safe, some groups of people are advised to avoid it. Quinones recommends that pregnant people not get the vaccine. It is also advised to wait at least a month after giving birth before getting a vaccine.
The CDC also recommends that people who had an allergic reaction to the first MMR vaccine hold off on getting the second dose. In addition, people with any “severe, life-threatening” allergies should consult their doctor before getting vaccinated because it may not be safe.
Those with weakened immune systems should also consult their doctor about getting the vaccine, especially if it is due to disease or medical treatment. If immunodeficiencies run in the family, this could also cause an issue with the shots.
The vaccines can also potentially react with recent blood transfusions, so it’s not recommended to get the MMR or MMRV within at least three months of receiving blood from someone. You should also not get the vaccine if you currently have tuberculosis or bruise or bleed easily, according to the CDC.
The MMR doses need to be spaced out by at least 28 days, and you should also not get one of these doses if you’ve had another vaccine within 28 days as well. It’s also important to let your healthcare provider know if you’ve been sick recently — with any sort of illness — so they can advise if it’s still safe to vaccinate. If you’re a parent bringing in a child for vaccination, also advise the doctor if the baby has been sick or shown any previous symptoms of concern.
Or if you were born before 1957, you may already have immunity.
Is the measles vaccine safe?
According to medical experts and the CDC, the measles vaccine is safe and effective. Some slight side effects may occur after getting the shot, but they are generally minor and go away quickly.
“The measles vaccine may cause fever, chills and muscle aches/pains in the days after injection,” says Adalja.
Quinones also points out that it’s possible to feel “soreness” at the injection site following the shot.
Beyond this, the CDC reports that it’s possible to see some swelling in the cheeks or neck and in rare cases, a bleeding disorder that will eventually resolve itself. In more severe cases, it’s possible to have an allergic reaction to the vaccine, which would require calling 911 right away, especially if there’s trouble breathing, intense swelling or dizziness.
The CDC also reports a small link between the MMR vaccine and febrile seizures, but it is “rare” and not linked to “long-term effects.” However, the organization recommends that parents vaccinate their children early to lessen the chances of this occurring.
The CDC also calls out the notion that vaccines were once linked to autism and shuts down any possibility that the two are related to each other, citing experts and research. The CDC states, “There is no link between autism and vaccines that contain thimerosal as a preservative.”
Does health insurance cover the measles vaccine?
Typically, all Health Insurance Marketplace plans and private insurance plans offer the MMR vaccine (as well as other common vaccines) without charging a copayment or coinsurance, as long as you’re with an in-network provider, according to the CDC. Medicare likely also covers the vaccine, whether on Part B or Part D, and so does Medicaid, but it’s always best to double-check with your medical facility and with Medicare or Medicaid to be certain.
Military benefits can also vary depending on coverage, but the MMR vaccine will most likely be covered, as the CDC recommends it be covered across the board.
The bottom line
Despite the outbreak that is currently happening in the United States, people do not need to get another measles vaccine if they’ve already sufficiently been vaccinated. However, doctors suggest checking with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about the efficacy of the vaccinations you received and to find out if a booster shot could be necessary, especially if there is an outbreak in your community. If so, experts make it clear that the measles vaccine is safe and will protect you from the virus.
Read the full article here