As a VA pharmacist for more than 20 years, I believe it’s my duty to educate Veterans and their families on important health topics, especially those that are newly emerging, rarely discussed, or, in this case, making an unwelcome comeback. (We may like comebacks in sports, but not in medicine.)
Before the measles vaccine became available in the United States in 1963, the U.S. saw nearly 50,000 hospitalizations and 400–500 deaths per year from the disease. In 2000, measles was declared eliminated in the U.S., thanks to widespread vaccination. Unfortunately, declining vaccination rates have reversed this progress.
Measles is airborne and extremely contagious. An infected person can spread the virus from four days before to four days after the signature rash appears. If one person has measles, 9 out of 10 people around them will become infected if they are not vaccinated. The virus can even survive in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours.
What Veterans should know
- Prevention is key. The measles vaccine is highly effective at preventing measles. Routine administration of measles vaccine started in 1980 for military recruits who did not have measles as a child.
- Adults born after 1957 should also have two doses, spaced at least 28 days apart. Veterans who entered military service in 1980 or later were likely vaccinated against measles.
- In general, most people born since 1989 should have already received 2 doses of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
- Pregnancy caution. Women who are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant within four weeks, should not get the vaccine, as it can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or early delivery.
- No off-season. Measles isn’t seasonal and can be mistaken for a cold, flu or allergies. Symptoms often appear 8–12 days after exposure, with a rash developing between 7–18 days.
- Watch for symptoms. Early signs include runny nose, red or watery eyes and cough. The rash usually begins on the face or neck and spreads. Lab testing is needed to confirm a measles infection.
- Plan ahead for travel. Whether you’re heading out for spring break, summer vacation or camp, make sure you’re fully vaccinated, especially two weeks before international travel.
As a Veteran, protecting your health is a lifelong mission. During your next VA appointment, talk with your provider about your vaccination history, especially your measles status. Staying informed and protected helps safeguard not just your health, but the health of your loved ones and fellow Veterans.
This article was originally published on the Sheridan VA Health Care System site and has been edited for style and clarity.
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It’s indeed remarkable to realize how precious is the feeling of truly protected Status we Veterans in this Our Beloved Country This United States of America Affords us and How Blessed and Fortunate we’re made all however hard muddying our journey was we’re now overjoyed in our stage I Am Deeply Grateful to Our Lord Jesus Christ our Country Our Government and Our Veterans Administration
I was told by my Primary Physician that I am immune from getting the measle vaccination. Should I get vaccinated to be safe anyway???
Thank you for the reminder.
Are you providing COVID boosters ?
If I’ve already had the measles (both) and have had all my vaccines with boosters for MMR and DPT IN 2014, do I need another booster?
Explain the significance of the year 1957 ? I was born 1955, why does that make me immune ? And if a person born after 1957 why does that make them not immune ?
I was born on 1957 does this imply that I need to have a measles vaccine.
Thank you for your service and the information, Ms. Byrd. Too often, people underestimate how much knowledge their pharmacists have. My own doctor learned from HIS pharmacist about things like how different companies that manufacture a specific drug, can completely alter the affects the drug has on its’ prescribed individual. Too often we waive our consultation with one of the most knowledgeable individuals on our own medications, and believe the label on the bottle, often stating something akin to, “This Drug Looks Different, But Is Totally The Same!”. Different manufacturing companies put in different amounts of the medication, and probably much more that I don’t know. The polio vaccine that was EFFECTIVE is a great example of how this country finally found an effective vaccine against a horrific illness and then it returned with a vegence. Because Dr. Saulk didn’t patent it, his competitor’s LIVE VACCINE, which had horrible outcomes, was being put out to the public. Then other drug manufacturers essentially tried to “guess” the correct dose. Fortunately, that issue was resolved, and children no longer receive the live vaccine. Unfortunately, Medicare won’t cover a vaccine for me for the Measels vaccine until 2040(?) Great information, hope this knowledge nugget encourages readers to inquire more with their trusted pharmacists.
I have no idea if I received the vaccine or not. What happens if I get the vaccine now and actually did get it as a child?
Did the Army vaccinate me when I entered the service? i recall getting quite a few shots before my first deployment.
If you have no idea if you had this vaccine, does it hurt anything to go ahead and get it as a precaution?
I’ll answer as a pharmacist with the VA. If you’re not sure if you’ve been vaccinated, there’s no harm in getting the shot as a precaution. It’s also possible to get titers to see if you’re already immune, but in most cases it makes sense to just get the vaccine series.
No one in The United States would have the measles today if Biden kept the southern border closed to all those unvaccinated illegals who entered this country during his administration. All for the sake of getting more Democratic votes in upcoming elections.
i had measle shots 85 yrs ago do need more
If you’re born before 1957, you’re considered to be immune and usually wouldn’t need to be vaccinated. Talk to your provider at your next visit if you’re worried about it, though.
You drank way too much kool-Aid
Getting the measles has nothing to do with the Biden administration. Please stop the stereotype nonsense. This current administration is encouraging people not to believe in vaccines, which will make worse than having illegal immigrants. Why are you not blaming those illegals from Europe? I spend many years in Latin America where those vaccines are mandatory from the first grade. Mandatory. So please stop the stereotype and do some reading.
Absolutely correct.
To Fred Garrison. Please keep your nonsense to yourself–this is not a forum for your nonsense. You have no idea about measles vaccinations among “illegals” and non-citizens can’t vote–unbelievable. More importantly, you are detracting from the relevant message of this article. Thank you to the newsletter for the article.
I’m with Fred bigoly
You and Fred enjoy all the diseases from not taking vaccines and eating ivermectin or a bleach cocktail.
Lets be real. RFK is the one who has promoted anti vax for years and now he is in charge of our health care system God help us.