Measles has made another unexpected and unwelcome return this year, and nearly all of the cases have occurred in people who haven’t been vaccinated against the disease.
“Vaccines are the best ways to prevent certain diseases, some of which are life-threatening, including measles,” says Renee Slade, MD, a physician in the Rush Pediatric Primary Care Center. “It always disappoints me when parents choose not to vaccinate their children, because study after study after study has shown the safety of vaccinations.”
As of Aug. 11 (the most recent data available), 124 cases of measles in the United States had been confirmed, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cases have been confirmed in 22 states, including Illinois, and the District of Columbia.
“We have already surpassed the number of cases reported in 2017, including confirmed cases in Illinois,” says Melissa Kalensky, DNP, a nurse practitioner and assistant professor in the Rush University College of Nursing’s Department of Community, Systems and Mental Health Nursing. Last year, 118 cases were reported, according to the CDC.
‘Every year, unvaccinated people get measles’
The United States eradicated measles in 2000, but people who travel outside the country may be at risk of exposure to the measles virus if they’re not vaccinated. This week, for example, a toddler in Houston was diagnosed with measles after he traveled outside the U.S.
“Every year, unvaccinated people get measles while they are abroad then bring the disease into the United States and spread it to others. Make sure you and your family are protected with MMR vaccine,” the CDC warns.
The CDC recommends that all children receive a first dose of MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine at 12 to 15 months of age and a second dose between the ages of four and six. For travelers, the MMR vaccine is recommended for children as young as six months.
Infants less than 12 months old who receive the vaccine will need an additional dose after age 12 months as well as the booster dose, typically after age four years. Children over age 12 months who are traveling should have two doses, at least 28 days apart.
The CDC also recommends vaccination for adults born after 1956. Adults unsure of their vaccination status should be vaccinated, as well those who were vaccinated from 1963 to 1967 (when some vaccine being used were less effective), unless medical records show they received a live measles vaccination.
Despite these recommendations, some parents have chosen to keep their children from being vaccinated, in large part due to fears that the vaccine can harm the child. Here, Slade and other physicians at Rush share their knowledge and insights regarding measles, vaccination, and the intersection of private choice and public health.