How to keep my family safe from measles?

Question

Hello doctor,

There is been a measles outbreak at my kid's school and I am freaking out! We vaccinated her as a baby, but now I am hearing about "waning immunity" and breakthrough infections. How protected is she really? I thought vaccines were supposed to prevent these diseases completely. Are they not as effective as we think? I am also worried because my sister's kids are not vaccinated - could they be putting my daughter at risk? How contagious is measles anyway? I thought it was basically eradicated but now it seems to be making a comeback. Can you explain what is going on and how to keep my family safe? Should we get booster shots? I am so confused about vaccines and immunization in general.

Kindly suggest.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com

I understand your concern.

I understand your concerns regarding the measles outbreak at your child's school. Measles vaccination, given as the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine), is highly effective. The first dose, administered around 12 to 15 months of age, provides about 93 percent protection against measles. The second dose, given between four to six years old, boosts this protection to about 97 percent. This high level of protection generally lasts a lifetime, but there are rare cases of "waning immunity," where the effectiveness of the vaccine decreases over time. However, the vast majority of vaccinated individuals remain protected. While breakthrough infections can occur, they are uncommon and usually result in milder symptoms compared to those who are unvaccinated.

Vaccinated individuals who do contract measles are less likely to suffer from severe complications. Unvaccinated individuals, like your sister's children, are at higher risk of contracting and spreading measles. Measles is highly contagious; it can spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can linger in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours. Because of this high contagion level, unvaccinated individuals not only risk their own health but also increase the risk for others, including those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons or who have not developed sufficient immunity.

Measles was declared eliminated in 2000, meaning there was no continuous transmission for more than 12 months. However, measles is making a comeback due to several factors:

1. Decreased vaccination rates in some communities.

2. International travel, which can bring the virus into the country from areas where measles is still common.

To keep your family safe:

Verify that your child has received both doses of the MMR vaccine. Generally, the two-dose schedule is sufficient. However, if there is concern about waning immunity or high-risk exposure, your doctor might recommend a booster shot. Encourage those around you to vaccinate their children. Be vigilant for symptoms of measles, which include-

High fever.
Cough.
Runny nose.
Red eyes.
A characteristic rash that usually starts on the face and spreads.

If you suspect measles, contact your doctor immediately. Always remember, that a physical examination by a doctor in a hospital is a must for a comprehensive assessment.

I hope this helps.

Kindly follow up if you have more concerns.

Thank you.