NPR ~ Most People Getting Measles Are Adults. Time For A Shot?

[mzmolly]

Most of the 92 cases of measles confirmed in California are among adults — more than 62 percent.
Maybe they or their parents chose not to vaccinate, or maybe those people are allergic to one of the ingredients in the measles vaccine.

But it's also possible that a few of those adults happened to slip through the cracks when the measles vaccine first came to the public.



Jackie Carnegie immunizes Mabel Haywood in a Colorado Health Department immunization van in 1972. Shots for measles and other infectious diseases were offered.

... Adults have a few options, according to Schaffner. They can have their blood tested for measles antibodies, which exist in the blood of anyone who has either had measles or received the vaccine. Or they can get the shot; there's no harm in receiving the vaccine an additional time. In fact, most people have had two doses, since that's what's recommended for full coverage.

... "If you're really worried and you and your physician are really not sure, then roll up your sleeve," says Schaffner.

More at: NPR

[Warpy]

1. A lot of adults slipped through those cracks

in the late 60s and early 70s. In addition, the vaccine given 1963-1968 wasn't as long lasting as the vaccine released in 1968. Plus, anyone who was an adult at the time was considered to have had the disease already.

There are a lot of things at work here, in other words, from kids who skipped the disease when they were growing up, who might have had the less effective vaccine, or who were unable to get the vaccine at all for medical reasons, and parents of kids with measles who don't think quarantine is important.

Here in NM, we're surrounded by states with outbreaks. This state takes a very hard line about vaccinating the kiddies, medical exemptions only, so maybe we'll escape it. Unfortunately, measles is one of the most contagious diseases out there, the peak of contagion occurring when the person feels a bit off but before the rash develops.

[mzmolly]

2. "There are a lot of things at work here..."

Agree. But it seems society is collectively focused on one contributing factor.

One would think that people would be interested in an actual education on the issue? But, threads that mention anything but 'anti-vaxer' parents, fall by the wayside?

[etherealtruth]

7. I did not know that about the measles vax from the 1960s

i was born and vaccinated in the 60s ... i really need to get revaccinated

[Warpy]

8. A booster wouldn't hurt

and it might keep you from getting what can be an awful disease.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

15. I'm thinking of getting a shot. My partner had two people in their treatment center with measles ..

.... Friday.

My partner had his spleen removed 2 years ago and recieved a bunch of vaccinations at the time. He has a call in to his doc.

He doesn't work in the treatment center but is in and out. Now with a mask as of Friday.

I'm sure I was vaccinated but don't know how many doses. We are more worried about a two year old nephew, a two year old neighbor and a 6 month old nephew.

We are staying away from the kids for now.

[mzmolly]

9. Sadly, many adults are unaware

that they may currently lack immunity to diseases they were once vaccinated against.

It's maddening that there is such little interest in educating adults on this subject as well. For example, the media (and most DU-ers) continually focus on the very small percentage of parents who opt out, vs the much larger adult population that refuses to comply with recommendations.

It's tough for me to buy into the "vaccinate your children to protect others," when adults are largely non-compliant.

[Mariana]

13. Doctors should have been telling their patients this all along.

It's not really fair to say that adults "refuse to comply" with recommendations when they're not being told what the recommendations are.

[mzmolly]

16. That's a fair

point.

[FSogol]

3. If you got immunized between 1963 and 1984, you need a booster. Go see your doctor. n/t

[JI7]

5. at what age do most kids get immunized ?

[FSogol]

6. MMR (Measles, Mumps Rubella) is a 2 part vaccination. The first

is usually given at 12-15 months and the 2nd at age 4-6. Most schools require the 2nd before entering Kindergarten.

[Warren DeMontague]

14. Oy

Hmmm

[magical thyme]

4. I had measles as a child. Had my titers checked in 2011

for measles, mumps, rubella, prior to working in hospital lab. Happily my immune system remains strong.

Iirc, measles is worse in adults than children.

[hunter]

10. I got my shots upgraded as an adult.

Measles I've never had, but mumps and chicken pox fucked me up a bit.

[mzmolly]

11. Good for you. Most adults appear to believe that a tetanus

booster is all that's recommended if one is 18 +.

[seabeyond]

12. when i had my last child, for whatever reason they must have checked my blood and found my rubella

vaccination had expired, or whatever it does. i guess for some people, they get the shot and the vaccination goes away after time. i had to get another. maybe it is the same with this one.

i wonder about giving the boys chicken pox for this reason. and much worse to get it as an adult, especially for a man, than as a child.

[mzmolly]

17. Same

here. The Rubella portion of the vaccine wasn't effective, when I most needed it to be.