Should your summer vacation checklist include a measles vaccine?

CRÊME PHILADELPHIA – (BUSINESS WIRE– As families begin to list their traditional summer activities, AmeriHealth Caritas – a national leader in Medicaid-managed care and other health care solutions for the poor – recommends consulting a doctor to determine if vaccinations are needed to prevent contracting infectious diseases such as measles.

The recent measles outbreak has raised concerns about the potential spread of infectious disease at large gatherings where people are in close contact – such as popular theme parks, music festivals, sporting events, cruises, political rallies and summer camps. Transportation to these gatherings is also a risk, as public transport and airlines often charge pbadengers side by side on trains, planes and buses.

"We are social creatures. We live, work and play together. The spread of an infectious disease could happen quickly today, "said Dr. Andrea Gelzer, Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs at AmeriHealth Caritas. "For this reason, it is strongly recommended to get vaccinated against preventable diseases. Vaccines protect you and can prevent the spread of the disease to others. "

As of July 11, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had confirmed 1,123 individual cases of measles in 28 states.¹ The states that reported cases to the CDC are as follows: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Mbadachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Mexico, Nevada , New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington.

The majority of people who contracted measles were not vaccinated. Although the CDC reported that measles was virtually eliminated in 2000 – before the recent epidemic, measles was a widespread disease in many parts of the world. The disease is often introduced into this country by unvaccinated US travelers infected in other countries.²

While it is important for international travelers to have measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine (and other anti-terrorism vaccines against typhoid and yellow fever) before going on vacation, it is equally important that "lobsters" protect themselves from infectious diseases. Like the annual flu prevention strategy, Dr. Gelzer said that vaccines provide essential protection against measles. Two doses of MMR vaccine provide 97% protection; one dose provides 93% protection.³

"Although transmission of infectious diseases can occur in any setting, vaccination is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful diseases if you want to attend a fairly important event this summer, such as a concert or sporting event. , "she added.

About AmeriHealth Caritas

AmeriHealth Caritas is one of the country's leaders in healthcare solutions for the poor. Present in 11 states and in the District of Columbia, AmeriHealth Caritas serves more than 5 million members of Medicaid, Medicare and Child Health Insurance Program (CHIP), through its integrated care products, its management services pharmaceuticals, pharmacy services, behavioral health services and others. administrative services. Headquartered in Philadelphia, AmeriHealth Caritas is a mission-driven organization with more than 35 years of experience serving low-income and chronically ill populations. For more information, visit www.amerihealthcaritas.com.