Are you at risk?
If you were born and grew up in the U.S. and were vaccinated as a child, probably not. According to the CDC, two doses of the MMR or MMRV vaccines (which includes varicella or chickenpox) are about 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is 93% effective.
More specifically, if you were born:
In 1957 or later and have not had measles or been vaccinated, get one dose of MMR vaccine now and another after 28 days
Before 1957, it is unlikely that you need an MMR as most people 68 and older have had the measles and have immunity from the disease. If you are unsure, consult with your doctor about getting a measles titer (a blood test that measures the level of measles antibodies) and, if it is negative, get a dose of the MMR.
If you learn you were exposed and then realize you are not vaccinated, should you get vaccinated?
Yes, as it is not harmful to get vaccinated after exposure. If you receive a vaccination within 72 hours of exposure to the measles, you may also have some protection and get a milder illness.
What are the side effects of the vaccination?
Most people do not have any side effects. For those who do, the most common is a little bit of redness, soreness or swelling at the injection site or a mild fever or rash. Some people may briefly experience a little joint stiffness. A high fever accompanied by a seizure is possible, but extremely rare. To date, there has been no medical evidence documented of any links to autism, despite widespread popular media coverage of this idea several years ago. All previously cited evidence has been discredited.
Should anyone not get vaccinated for measles?
Currently, CDC guidelines suggest that the following should not get vaccinated:
Pregnant women until after they have the baby
People with leukemia or AIDS
Anyone on chemotherapy, immunosuppressive therapy or high dose steroids
Those who have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous does of an MMR vaccine
People with “severe, life-threatening” allergies
For those who have recently had a blood transfusion or received a blood product, talk to your doctor before proceeding. Additionally, if you are feeling ill, wait to pursue a vaccine unless you suspect having been exposed to measles, in which case, a vaccine is likely a good idea. Consult with your provider first, however.
If you think you may have been exposed, what should you do?
Call the NM Department of Public Health helpline: 1-833-796-8773
Get vaccinated if you have not yet been – but before you go anywhere to get vaccinated, call ahead to be instructed on how not to expose others
Isolate by staying home
Where can you get vaccinated locally?
Contact your pharmacy; CVS has had the vaccine in stock recently, but call first.
In Lea County, the only county in NM that currently has a measles outbreak, there are more options including public health offices and clinics.
La Familia may also have doses, and some doctor’s offices, as well (Cloudberry does not currently).
What does a measles vaccine cost?
Likely nothing. If you have insurance, most insurance plans cover the vaccine, including Medicaid (Turquoise Care). Free or low-cost options are also available for uninsured or underinsured people wherever there are vaccines available. Vaccines are free for New Mexican children under the “Vaccines for Children” program.
Where on the body is the vaccine given?
In small children, the preferred injection site is on the thigh. In older children and adults, the upper arm.
How quickly can you get both doses for maximum immunity?
For an MMR vaccine, you may get the second dose 28 days after the first dose.
For the MMRV vaccine, you may get the second dose 3 months after the first dose.
In NM, MMR is more widely available
10. How soon is the vaccine effective?
The vaccine starts working within a few days, but full protection takes two to three weeks. For this reason, if you are traveling internationally, and plan to get vaccinated, do so at least two weeks before you leave.
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