Health official urges measles vaccine for those traveling abroad ~ Boston.com

[mzmolly]

http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/health/blog/dailydose/2011/06/mass_health_off.html">BOSTON.COM

By Deborah Kotz, Globe Staff

The number of measles cases in the state has remained steady at 17 since May 25, but that's no reason for residents to think that they can be complacent about the outbreaks surging abroad in 33 European countries, India, and Southeast Asia. (France reported 10,000 measles cases through April.)

"We want to get out the message to folks before they travel abroad this summer," says state epidemiologist Dr. Al DeMaria. "Get the MMR vaccine or an antibody test from your doctor to see if you're still immune."

DeMaria added that the department is particularly concerned about young children, urging parents to make sure children age 1 and over have the complete set of two MMR immunizations -- which can be given 28 days apart -- before traveling with them to foreign countries. Children ages 6 months to one year can have one dose.

"Even if people aren't traveling to countries with large outbreaks, they may be passing through airports or heading onto flights with people from affected countries," says DeMaria. And measles is extremely contagious; it can be contracted just by being in the vicinity of someone who has it.

This advice pertains to adults as well as children, of course.

... More at link above ...

[SheilaT]

1. Lucky for me I'm old enough to have had the measles.

A couple of years ago, when I was hired for a clerical job by the local hospital, and they asked for proof of a measles vaccination, I just laughed. I had measles well over 50 years ago. Of course, I do have the antibodies, and yes, they tested.

[mzmolly]

2. Most people over a certain age

have been exposed to measles, naturally. Generally the protection from natural exposure will of course, last longer than protection from the vaccine. One wonders how many of us from the first vaccine generation are actually immune today?

:hi:

[SheilaT]

3. I generally have a lot of trouble making some

people here understand that immunity acquired from the disease is almost always permanent, unlike vaccines, many of which wear off.

The reason many vaccines require boosters -- especially the ones for the things we used to call childhood diseases and expected everyone to get -- is because the first generation to get the vaccine suddenly started getting the disease when the first shot wore off.

[mzmolly]

4. Agreed.

And, boosters require an ongoing commitment given the fact that some vaccines do wear off, so to speak. :hi: