Author: Eyal Amiel For The Conversation / Source: Mail Online
As the measles outbreaks spread, many people are growing concerned. New York City declared a public health emergency and mandated vaccinations in four ZIP codes where vaccination rates have been low. A Israeli flight attendant is in a coma from being infected with the highly contagious disease.
As a professor who teaches courses in immunology, microbiology and vaccine public policy, I research the fundamental processes of how our bodies respond to infections and vaccines to generate protective immunity.
In my teaching, I work with students to develop an understanding of the complexity of these issues and encourage them to engage in the public discourse on these topics from balanced and informed perspective.
Given all the attention around measles, here’s what people who believe they have been vaccinated should know.
One dose of the MMR vaccine protects against measles at 93% efficacy (that is, 93% of individuals will receive the protective benefit of the vaccine), two doses of the vaccine provides 96-97% efficacy
1. I received my vaccines more than 30 years ago. Am I still protected?
Yes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the measles component of the MMR vaccine provides lifelong protection.
The mumps and rubella portions are not as long-lived.
One dose of the MMR vaccine protects against measles at 93% efficacy (that is, 93% of individuals will receive the protective benefit of the vaccine), two doses of the vaccine provides 96-97% efficacy.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices at the CDC began recommending two doses of the MMR vaccine in 1989 in response to a measles outbreak in children who had been vaccinated by…
The post Why your decades-old measles shot IS still valid: A vaccine professor explains as he answers patients’ top 5 questions appeared first on FeedBox.