by | Mar 13, 2024 | Family Health
Is The Measles Vaccine Necessary for My Child?
Are you gearing up to enroll your child in school? It’s a pretty big deal, with all the back-to-school shopping, lunch planning, and figuring out the logistics of drop-off and pick-up. But here’s something else to consider: the growing number of kids who aren’t getting vaccinated, especially against diseases like measles.
Back in 2000, after a successful vaccination campaign, the CDC had some good news—they declared measles eliminated in the U.S. That was a major win for public health! But we’ve got to keep it that way by avoiding outbreaks that stick around for two years or more.
There’s been a bit of a comeback for measles lately. From January to December 2023, we saw 58 cases across 20 states/jurisdictions. And by February 29, 2024, the CDC counted 41 cases across 16 states. Now, compare that to just 13 cases back in 2020, spread across 8 jurisdictions. So, while it might not sound like a big deal, for some people, getting measles can lead to serious and long-term complications.
What is Measles?
Measles is quite a contagious virus, easily transmitted through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can linger invisibly on surfaces for up to two hours, awaiting its next host. If someone touches a surface that the measles virus has settled on and then touches their face, they’re at risk of infection. With measles not being as common in the U.S. as it once was, it’s easy for both healthcare professionals and parents to overlook its symptoms at first glance.
Here’s a striking fact about measles: if you’re unvaccinated and exposed to the virus, your chances of contracting it are extremely high—about 90%. It’s more contagious than other viruses like the flu or COVID-19, but fortunately, it’s also one of the most preventable through vaccination. The first dose of the measles vaccine can provide around 93% immunity, and following up with a second dose can enhance your protection to 97%. For the few who might catch measles after vaccination, the symptoms are typically much less severe. Vaccination not only protects individuals but also helps keep entire communities safe.
Who’s at Higher Risk for Measles?
When it comes to measles, not everyone’s on equal footing. Here’s a quick rundown of those who are more likely to catch it:
- Babies and toddlers
- Pregnant women
- Individuals with weaker immune systems
- Anyone who hasn’t been vaccinated
- People of Asian descent (they’re seeing higher numbers of measles cases)
You might be thinking, “It’s just a fever and a rash, what’s all the fuss?” But here’s the thing: measles can bring on a condition called Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE). It’s rare, but it’s serious. Imagine the virus sneaking into the brain, hiding out for years, and then causing major health issues down the line.
How Will Measles Affect My Child?
According to the CDC, children younger than 5 years of age and adults older than 20 years of age are most likely to suffer from measles-related complications from common ear infections and diarrhea to more serious complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis. Unvaccinated pregnant women who get measles are at risk for preterm labor and giving birth to low birthweight babies. Health officials do not recommend vaccination for pregnant women leaving them to rely on community vaccination levels for protection.
- 1 in 10 children develop ear infections which can bring permanent hearing loss.
- 1 in 20 children who contract measles will get pneumonia which is the number one cause of measles-related deaths.
- 1 in 1,000 children will get encephalitis (swelling of the brain) which can cause convulsions and result in intellectual disability or deafness.
- Of every 1,000 children who get measles, 2 will die from complications.
Is The Measles Vaccine Necessary for My Child?
It’s not just about dodging a bad rash and fever now; it’s about keeping your little ones clear from some tough complications down the road. And, when you get your child vaccinated, you’re not just looking out for them. You’re also playing a crucial part in what’s called ‘herd immunity.’ That’s like a community-wide safety net that keeps the most vulnerable among us, like little babies or people with certain health conditions, from catching the virus.
So, should you get your child the measles vaccine? Yes, 100%. It’s a straightforward step that packs a whole lot of peace of mind. By rolling up your child’s sleeve, you’re doing your part to keep them and everyone else’s kids happy, healthy, and measles-free. It’s a win-win in the parenting playbook.
If you or your child may be showing the signs of contracting measles, pre-register at AFC Urgent Care Statesville today, or walk into our office any day of the week, no appointment needed.
