Jojy Cheriyan MD,MPH January 27, 2015

The  recent measles outbreak that began at Disneyland in Southern California continues to ripple across the nation with over 100 cases reported in last 6 months.

The misunderstandings and unscientific  information propagated by anti-vaccine groups have led to confusion among parents forcing many parents to avoid vaccinating their children. The bogus study that published in late 1990 in Lancet led to a misconception that MMR (Mumps Measles Rubella) vaccine might cause autism. This study was later pulled back by Lancet, and the doctor in London who published it was stripped off his license to practice. Several other studies that came out later found no correlation or association of measles vaccine with autism and data showed the vaccine only benefitted children by saving their lives.

Measles was a serious disease prior to the availability of Measles Vaccine. Around 20 million measles cases are reported annually, according to World Health Organization. 122,000 people die from the disease each year—that equals about 330 deaths every day or about 14 deaths every hour. MMR vaccine available today is one of the most effective vaccines against Measles disease.

In the United States, widespread use of measles vaccine has led to a greater than 99% reduction in measles cases, compared with the pre-vaccine era. In 2000, U.S was declared Measles-Free. But, from 2000 to 2013, a range of 37 to 220 measles cases per year were reported in the United States, and most of these originated outside the country. Unfortunately in 2014 that number went up to 644 cases. This should not have happened if children were vaccinated properly. The anti-vaccine campaign in the U.S is causing a real public health challenge, risking the lives of children and adults.

Measles is a viral disease that causes fever, running nose, cough , red eyes, pneumonia, meningitis, encephalitis, and even death. Risks override benefits if you are not vaccinated against Measles.

Vaccine Recommendations ( by CDC) 

Children

CDC recommends all children get two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 through 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age. Children can receive the second dose earlier as long as it is at least 28 days after the first dose.

Students at post-high school educational institutions

Students at post-high school educational institutions who do not have evidence of immunity against measles need two doses of MMR vaccine, separated by at least 28 days. Testing your blood for the MMR antibody titer will confirm if you have adequate immunity against Measles.

Adults

Adults who do not have evidence of immunity against measles should get at least one dose of MMR vaccine.

International travelers

People 6 months of age and older who will be traveling internationally should be protected against measles. Before any international travel—

Infants 6 through 11 months of age should receive one dose of MMR vaccine. Infants who get one dose of MMR vaccine before their first birthday should get two more doses (one dose at 12 through 15 months of age and another dose at least 28 days later).

Children 12 months of age and older should receive two doses of MMR vaccine, separated by at least 28 days.

Teenagers and adults who do not have evidence of immunity against measles should get two doses of MMR vaccine separated by at least 28 days.

Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare personnel should have documented evidence of immunity against measles, according to the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Healthcare personnel without evidence of immunity should get two doses of MMR vaccine, separated by at least 28 days.

Sources- CDC, DHHS.