There is much controversy in the U.S. surrounding vaccines, particularly the measles vaccine during the weeks of April and May 2019, when hundreds of children fell ill because some did not receive the vaccine as they should have. Parents claim religious reasons, but this is unfounded since the measles vaccine did not exist in past millennia when religious writings sanctioned what could and could not be done.
Furthermore, there are no components of beef or pork in the manufacturing of this vaccine that justify denying the possibility of protecting a child from this easily preventable disease, which can be very serious if a person lacks immunity against this virus. It is an extremely contagious disease that can have dire consequences, including pneumonia and even death.
The discussion is whether public authorities should impose by law the vaccine for everyone, with the punishment being that the child is not accepted in school without proof that the vaccine has been effectively administered.
Exceptions exist, including pregnancy, the use of immunosuppressive medications (for example, those who have had a transplant), AIDS, or any illness that affects the immune system, where a live virus vaccine is contraindicated.
Some adults who were vaccinated decades ago may no longer have immunity and need to receive a booster shot of the vaccine. This can be determined with a simple blood test to measure the amount of antibodies against measles that the patient has. If they are immunized, great. If not, they receive a booster and that’s it. This is especially important if you work in healthcare, are a school teacher, or a grandparent, as you may not contract measles but can infect your patients, students, or grandchildren.
There is no antibiotic remedy for measles. Hydration and rest are essential, and above all, staying home to avoid contaminating those around you.
If you have a child with a fever, runny nose, conjunctivitis, and some reddish spots on their body, call your doctor. There is no need to go to the emergency room or visit the doctor’s office. They will tell you what to do over the phone.
Check your children’s vaccination card to ensure that they are all up to date with this vaccine. Here in the U.S., it is administered under the acronym MMR (measles, mumps, rubella).
In Brazil, there are occasional measles epidemics, and authorities launch general vaccination campaigns for everyone. Therefore, it is quite possible that your child or you have received more than one dose of this vaccine. The recommendation is to take two doses, starting at one year of age and then between four and six years of age. If a person lacks immunity, they can receive the vaccine at any age. Vaccines here in the U.S. are commonly administered in the doctors’ offices.
DR. ALBERT LEVY
Family Practice Physician
www.manhattanfamilypractice.com