Measles cases rise in South Carolina. Do you need a measles booster shot?

The measles outbreak in South Carolina continues to grow rapidly. Tuesday, The state announced Bringing the cumulative total to 789 cases, making the outbreak larger than one case Last year in West Texas.

in spite of Largest measles outbreak Currently in South Carolina, Texas, Arizona, and Utah, the disease has spread almost everywhere in the United States, from state to state. San Francisco Bay Area to Florida. With more people still getting sick with measles, you may wonder about your vaccination status and whether you’re adequately protected from the potentially deadly disease.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and PreventionTwo doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella, or MMR, vaccine are 97% effective in preventing measles, while one dose is 93% effective. It is uncommon for a fully vaccinated person to get measles, although South Carolina has seen at least 20 cases Hacking cases.

To learn more about measles symptoms and whether you need to get vaccinated again, we spoke with doctors to get expert opinions.

What does measles look like in adults and children?

Measles is one of The most contagious in the world Viruses have a number of symptoms that you should pay attention to, most notably skin rash and fever, according to what the British newspaper “Daily Mail” reported. Center for Disease Control. The virus spreads through the air, and once infected, measles attacks the respiratory system.

the Cleveland Clinic He notes that there is no cure for measles, and measles has to “run its course.” However, the best protection against it is the measles vaccine, which is usually given to children in the form of the MMR vaccine.

Measles usually initially appears as a “very specific rash that starts on the face and spreads down the body,” he says Dr. Joshua Quiñonesa board-certified internist from Manhattan Medical Offices. Other common side effects to watch out for include “high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery or red eyes.”

“Sometimes, you may see small white spots inside your mouth. These spots are called Koplik’s spots,” Quinones adds.

While measles can make anyone sick, the Centers for Disease Control notes that it is especially dangerous for children younger than 5 years old. This is because children have incomplete immune systems and are more susceptible to diseases, making them vulnerable – especially if they are not vaccinated.

How does the measles vaccine work?

The measles vaccine protects people from getting measles. It is known as MMR because it is combined with mumps (A Contagious viral infection (which affects the salivary glands) and rubella (usually another contagious viral infection). It begins with a red rash on the face). You may also see the MMRV vaccine, which includes a vaccine against varicella or chickenpox.

“The vaccine is a live virus that introduces a very weakened form of measles so your body can train to fight it,” Quinones says. “This will prepare your immune system to fight measles if you are exposed to it.”

One dose is usually given during breastfeeding, with a second dose following a few years later. Vaccination is especially important for children because their immune systems are weaker. This is why two doses are recommended before they go to school, where they will be exposed to more children (and to more germs).

Who should get the measles vaccine?

Measles vaccines are usually given to all children. The first vaccine is usually given between the ages of 12 and 15 months, and the second is given between the ages of 4 and 6 years before children go to school, according to the organization. Center for Disease Control. However, ages can vary, as long as doses are properly spaced.

Vaccines can also be given to adults who have not been vaccinated before or do not have immunity, although they usually only get one dose. Dr. Omar Al-Hiti, an assistant professor of medicine at Southern Illinois University who practices internal medicine with a specialty in infectious diseases, and one of CNET’s medical reviewers, adds that adults born during or after 1957 should get at least one dose of the MMR vaccine or presumptive evidence of immunity.

According to Al-Hiti, presumptive evidence of immunity is defined as one of the following:

• Written documentation of vaccination with two doses of live measles vaccine or MMR vaccine given at least 28 days apart
• Laboratory evidence of immunity (positive serum IgG)
• Laboratory confirmation of the disease
• Birth before 1957 (According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, although birth before 1957 is considered presumptive proof of immunity, for unvaccinated health care workers born before 1957 who lack laboratory evidence of measles immunity or laboratory confirmation of disease, health care facilities should consider vaccinating staff with two doses of MMR vaccine at the appropriate interval.)

the Center for Disease Control It recommends that adults who work in health care, attend college or university, or travel internationally get two doses at least 28 days apart, as they are considered to be at higher risk of infection.

Should you get a measles booster shot if you’ve already been vaccinated?

Despite the ongoing measles outbreak, there is probably no need to get additional measles vaccine — unless you are not already fully vaccinated or have proven immunity (previous infection/exposure).

“If someone is fully vaccinated against measles (two doses) and has no major immunocompromised condition (eg, organ transplant), their immunity should be sufficient without the need for additional doses,” says Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease specialist and one of the lead researchers in the study. Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.

The first dose of measles vaccine is usually given to infants and young children, with the second dose given during the childhood years. If the second dose is never given, the person may be at higher risk of developing measles and would actually benefit from another measles vaccine now.

news a report He noted that some people who were originally vaccinated in the 1970s and 1980s may need a new vaccine because the original vaccine has expired. This may be because they were given only one dose, and the vaccine has evolved since then, and it is possible that it is not included in some people’s medical records.

“If you already have the full series, you won’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 are too well protected.” According to Mount Sinai, the antibody titer test measures the level of antibodies in a blood sample to figure out 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 shot. If the disease is current and you are not immunocompromised, you probably do not need an additional dose. the Center for Disease Control It also notes that adults who have received one dose and have “presumptive evidence of immunity” — documentation of vaccination or immunity — do not need to get another dose.

Who should not get the measles vaccine?

Although the measles vaccine is generally considered safe, some groups of people are advised to avoid it. Quinones recommends that pregnant women not get the vaccine. It is also recommended to wait at least a month after giving birth before getting the vaccine.

the Center for Disease Control It also recommends that people who have an allergic reaction to the first MMR vaccine postpone getting the second dose. Additionally, people with any “severe, life-threatening” allergies should consult a doctor before getting vaccinated because it may not be safe.

People with weakened immune systems should also consult their doctor about getting the vaccine, especially if it is due to illness or medical treatment. If immunodeficiency runs in the family, this can also cause a problem with vaccinations.

Vaccines can also interact with recent blood transfusions, so it is not recommended to get MMR or MMRV within at least three months of receiving blood from someone. You also shouldn’t get the vaccine if you currently have tuberculosis or bruise or bleed easily, according to the CDC.

Your MMR doses should be at least 28 days apart, and you should not get one of these doses if you also had another vaccine within 28 days. It’s also important to tell your healthcare provider if you’ve been sick recently – with any type of illness – so they can advise you if it’s still safe to get vaccinated. If you are a parent bringing a child for vaccination, also tell the doctor if the child has been sick or has had any previous worrisome symptoms.

Or if you were born before 1957, you may already have immunity.

Is the measles vaccine safe?

According to medical experts and Center for disease control, The measles vaccine is safe and effective. Some minor side effects may occur after getting the injection, but they are generally minor and go away quickly.

“The measles vaccine may cause fever, chills and muscle aches in the days following the injection,” Adalja said.

Quinon also points out that you may feel pain at the injection site after the injection.

Furthermore, the CDC notes that it is possible to see some swelling in the cheeks or neck and, in rare cases, a bleeding disorder that will eventually resolve itself. In more serious cases, it is possible to have an allergic reaction to the vaccine, which requires calling 911 immediately, especially if there is difficulty breathing, severe swelling or dizziness.

The CDC has also reported a small link between the MMR vaccine and febrile seizures, but it is rare and not associated with long-term effects. However, the organization recommends that parents vaccinate their children early to reduce the chances of this happening.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also dismisses the idea that vaccines were previously linked to autism and closes any possibility that the two are linked to each other, citing experts and research. “There is no link between autism and vaccines that contain thimerosal as a preservative,” the CDC says.

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 copay or coinsurance fee, as long as you are with an in-network provider, according to Center for Disease Control. Medicare will likely also cover the vaccine, either in Part B or Part D, as well as Medicaid, but it’s always best to double-check with your medical facility and with Medicare or Medicaid to be sure.

Military benefits can also vary depending on coverage, but the MMR vaccine is more likely to be covered, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends it be covered across the board.

Bottom line

Despite the outbreak currently occurring in the United States, people do not need to get another measles vaccine if they are already adequately vaccinated. However, doctors suggest checking with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about the effectiveness of the vaccinations you received and to see if a booster dose may be necessary, especially if there is an outbreak in your community. If so, experts explain that the measles vaccine is safe and will protect you from the virus.