Do you need a measles shot during the U.S. outbreak? Here’s what experts say

This week, the Texas Department of State Health Services reported the first death from measles during an outbreak affecting the South Plains and Panhandle regions. The deceased, a school-aged child, was not vaccinated and was admitted to hospital in Lubbock last week after testing positive for measles. It is the first death from measles in the United States since 2015.

Measles outbreak in the United States

From the start of the New Year to February 25, there have been a total of 124 reported cases of measles in the US - most of which are children aged five to 17. So far, 18 people have been hospitalized during the outbreak.

Most of the patients have required respiratory support to help them get over viral pneumonia - one of the most lethal complications associated with the disease.

With the measles outbreak showing no signs of slowing, who needs to take preventative action? According to Dr. Céline Gounder, it all depends on your age and vaccination history.

“There is a very specific group that does have to worry about their immunity from vaccination,” Dr. Céline Gounder told CBS Mornings. “People born after 1957 but vaccinated before 1968 — that group is unlikely to have robust immunity from infection”.

Most people who are vaccinated with the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine will be protected for life. But those who were vaccinated before 1968 should consider getting a booster as previous vaccines were less effective.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children get vaccinated with their first dose between the ages of 12 to 15 months then a second dose from the age of four to six. Older children, adolescents, and adults also need one or two doses of MMR vaccine if they are not already immune to measles, mumps, and rubella.

What is measles and how dangerous is it?

Measles is an acute febrile illness, which is highly contagious and potentially fatal. It is an airborne disease which spreads easily when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes.

Measles infects the respiratory tract and then spreads throughout the body. Symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose and a characteristic red rash which appears all over the body usually three to four days after the onset of fever.

Where to get vaccinated

The federal vaccines.gov website provides information about pharmacies and health providers which offer a range of vaccinations, including the MMR shot against measles.

If you suspect your child might have measles, call 911 immediately.

According to World Health Organization figures, an estimated 107,500 people died from measles in 2023 – mostly children under the age of five years.

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