If You Were Born Before 1989, You May Need Another Measles Shot
Yup. That's crazy, isn't it? But it's true. I got the word from my own doctor last week, that I would be needing an additional measles shot. All of us lucky stiffs who were born before 1989, only got one measles vaccination.
After 1989, it was administered over a two-dose regimen. But for us older(?) folk.... we only got one shot. If you're a one-shot person, the one dose gave you a 93% immunity from measles. The additional shot brings your body up to a 97% immunity, according to News Center Maine.
That may not seem like much, but considering there have been almost 700 cases so far this year, the measles are running rampant through the country right now. It's really not a bad idea to schedule the second vaccination. This isn't like getting a flu shot, where maybe you get it, maybe you don't. You do not want the measles!
Just the same, I reached out to Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, to see what they had to say about the current measles situation. Maine hasn't had the issues that some other states have had. So it isn't necessarily as dire in a state with a large-scale outbreak.
Dr. James Jarvis, Senior VP and Senior Physician Executive from Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center had this to say:
Currently there is no recommendation to change the way we vaccinate for measles. I recommend that anyone born between 1957 and 1989 consult with their primary care provider if they are traveling to an area where measles is endemic or if they have had a confirmed exposure to measles. Anyone born after 1956 who has not been immunized against measles should be vaccinated if they are eligible to receive the vaccine.
There's so much debate these days about the effectiveness of vaccines, and whether they should be mandatory, and I'm not here to jump into that argument. If you and your family choose not to be vaccinated, that's up to you. Since I've already been vaccinated once, with no ill side effects that I know of, I'm happy to get the second shot. An ounce of prevention, as they say.....
This will probably be something on everyone's minds for a while, so inform yourself whatever way you see fit, and make the right decision for your family. And pray the measles stay out of your way!