KY measles outbreak: Do those born in the 1950s and 1960s need an updated vaccine?
Fayette County has confirmed its first case of measles this year, and while most vaccinated individuals don’t need to worry about the highly contagious virus, one group of older adults should consider getting a new shot.
On Monday, the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services announced a recent measles outbreak in Woodford County has spread to Fayette County. The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department’s medical director, Dr. Steve Davis, confirmed at least one case here. The current statewide total of measles cases stands at five, as of June 30.
The Kentucky outbreak comes amid a much broader wave of measles in the U.S. with more than 1,200 cases affecting multiple states, per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Additionally, recent CDC estimates show Kentucky trails the national average when it comes to measles vaccine coverage for kindergarteners, with only 90% covered.
While young, unvaccinated children are particularly at risk of the most dangerous complications of measles, health experts also advise adults born in the 1950s and 60s who received a less effective, early vaccine to consider getting the modern shot.
Why should some older adults get the modern measles vaccine?
As explained by Davis, of the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department, adults born prior to 1957 likely do not need a measles vaccine. Given the virus was so common back then, they likely have lifetime immunity.
However, those born after 1957 and vaccinated before 1968, should consider getting the modern measles vaccine because the early vaccines were less effective during that time period, health experts recommend.
These days, the typical recommendation is that children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella. A variation of the vaccine also protects against varicella, commonly called chickenpox. For children, the vaccine is administered at 12 to 15 months and then again when the child is 4 to 6 years old.
Along with adults in that age group, the CDC recommends certain other groups update or get their measles vaccine, including:
Adults who have unclear vaccination histories.
Adults who are in high-risk settings, such as health care personnel and students at post-high school education institutions.
People traveling internationally, particularly those traveling to high-risk areas.
Children and adolescents who haven’t received the standard two-dose vaccine.
People with immune system disorders, such as HIV.
If adults are unsure of their vaccination history or don’t have immunization records, Davis said there is a blood test they can get from their doctor.
That said, the simplest solution is to get vaccinated, Davis said.
“Quite frankly, I probably would just rather give the vaccine,” Davis said, summing up his professional opinion. “There’s no harm in repeating the vaccine, even if you had immunity to it prior.”
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