A few months ago, I wrote about the importance of vaccinations and the re-emergence of
measles in the United States. At that time, the latest statistics stated that there were 372
documented cases of measles during the entire 2018 year. As of April 24, 2019 there are 695
documented cases of measles in 22 states. The good news – Louisiana is NOT one of the 22
states reporting documented cases of measles. The bad news – our neighboring state, Texas, and
one of many Louisianans’ favorite beach vacation spots, Florida, DID report documented cases
of measles in 2019.
So why is all of this important? Well, new evidence suggests that certain “vaccinated”
people may not be immune to the measles virus. According the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, there are new recommendations that state anyone born after 1957 may have not
received the two dose MMR series currently recommended by the CDC and should have a lab
test to ensure that they are immune to measles. More importantly, persons vaccinated between
the years of 1963 to 1967 may have received the killed measles vaccine, which was not effective.
Thus, even though you were vaccinated, you may still be susceptible to contracting the measles
virus.
While I would recommend all adults get a lab test to check for immunity to measles and a
booster MMR if needed, with summer vacation and travel right around the corner – the time to
do this is NOW! Remember, the complications of measles, especially in children, can include
pneumonia, swelling of the brain, and death. So please consider having yourself checked for
immunity to measles and protect yourself, your family, your community, and your state!
