AM I AT RISK FROM MEASLES???
Measles is in the news these
days (2/7/15). Largely because a number
of misguided (in our opinion!!) parents chose not to have their children
vaccinated, a disease that was almost eliminated is making a comeback. Here are some facts about the situation to
help you understand your risk and what you should do about it.
1.
If you were born
before 1957, YOU HAD MEASLES, whether you remember it or not. Measles is highly contagious and before the
vaccine came out EVERYONE got the measles. Fortunately for children, which is when most of us got it, it was not
all that terrible and is often not remembered.
2.
Both live and
killed vaccines became available in 1963 and were given until 1967 when only
the more effective live vaccine was given. If you grew up in a family that routinely followed medical advice on
vaccinations in the 60s, you were almost certainly immunized and need have no
concerns. If you remember that your
family, whether for financial or philosophical reasons, did NOT ensure that you
and your siblings were vaccinated, you could be at risk.
3.
If you are
uncertain, based on discussion above whether or not you were vaccinated, the
next question is to assess your current risk. At the moment it is very small. However your risk is increased in several circumstances:
a) You plan to travel to a
country where vaccinations are not widely carried out – largely to second or
third world countries. b) Your children
or grandchildren have not been vaccinated. c) You have volunteer or occupational exposure to children who may not
have been vaccinated. d) You have
problems with your immune system which makes you more susceptible to infection.
If, based on information
above, you are concerned about your potential exposure to measles, we do carry
the MMR vaccine, which provide protection against measles, mumps and rubella
(German measles), and will be happy to provide it for you. Alternatively we can do a blood test to
determine if you are immune or not.
It is unknown at this time if
insurance will cover the cost of a MMR. Patients may wish to check with their
insurance for coverage. The cost of a dose of vaccine with administration is
approximately $130.00.
