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By Jordan King
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Worries about measles and the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine are rife amid current outbreaks in the U.S.
The Context
A total of 222 measles cases have been reported across the U.S. (Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas and Washington) as of March 6, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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An outbreak in Texas has dominated headlines recently as the death of an unvaccinated school-age child was the first fatality from the disease in the U.S. since 2015.
This has sparked ongoing discussions about the MMR jab, and other vaccines, especially as 94 percent of cases, most of which are children, are unvaccinated or do not know their status.
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Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has faced criticism over his comments about vaccines, has been accused of "downplaying" the situation in Texas after he said outbreaks were "not unusual."
He issued a call for the option to vaccinate against measles, urging health care providers to "consult with their health care providers to understand their options to get the MMR vaccine," sparking anger from anti-vax activists.
Amid all the conflicting information, Newsweek has rounded up what you need to know, based on official advice.
What Is The CDC's Advice On The Measles Vaccine?
The CDC recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine—the first when a child is between 12 and 15 months and the second when they are between 4 and 6 years old.
Anyone traveling internationally should be fully vaccinated against measles, the CDC says, with parents advised to give infants between 6 and 11 months old one dose before travel (and two more doses after their first birthday).
Older children, adolescents and adults should get at least one shot of the MMR vaccine, with two doses separated by at least 28 days, the CDC says.
People who are at an increased risk during an outbreak may need an additional dose, but public authorities will notify the people this applies to.
"If you already have 2 doses of MMR, it's not necessary to seek out vaccination; unless the authorities tell you that you are part of this group," the CDC says.
Should You Get A Booster?
People who have had their two doses of the MMR vaccine are "usually considered protected for life against measles and rubella," the CDC says.
But it adds that "immunity against mumps may decrease over time" and "an additional dose may be needed if you are at risk because of a mumps outbreak."
The Yale School of Medicine's Dr. Scott Roberts recommends that adults who were vaccinated before 1968 should consider getting a booster because the vaccine they received was less effective than the one available now.
He said the same for health care workers born before 1957 who do not have proof of immunity.
If you are unsure about whether you need a booster, you should look into your vaccination status and talk to your doctor.
What Is Measles?
"Measles is an airborne, extremely infectious, and potentially severe rash illness," the CDC says. It is not a seasonal virus but is often spread during times of high travel, such as during spring break or at summer camp.
The U.S. declared measles eliminated in 2000 "thanks to a very high percentage of people receiving the safe and effective measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine," the CDC says.
Rising cases across the country are generally attributed to U.S. coverage among children of kindergarten age falling below the 95 percent target.
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