Pender health officials publish information on measles after an epidemic

BURGAW, NC (WWW) – With the latest news about the growing number of measles cases in the United States, people are wondering whether or not to have a revaccination.

On Monday, US health officials said the number of measles cases reached this year is above 800, a growing number that is already the highest in the country in 25 years.

"Vaccination with the MMR vaccine is the best way to protect against measles," said Kim Trotman, immunization nurse with the Pender County Health Department. "One dose of measles-containing vaccine administered at 12 months of age is effective at about 93% and the effectiveness of two doses of measles-containing vaccine is greater than 97%. "

To date, the North Carolina law regarding measles immunization has not changed. In North Carolina, all school children must receive two doses of MMR vaccine separated by at least 28 days.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has issued the following guidelines for citizens who are wondering if they should be revaccinated:

• Adults born after 1957 who show no evidence of immunity (evidence of measles vaccination or the title indicating that they are immunized against measles) should receive a dose of a vaccine containing the virus measles.

• Adults in the high risk category should receive two doses of measles vaccine, spaced at least 28 days apart. The high-risk category includes health care workers, international travelers, and students attending post-secondary institutions.

People born before 1957 are considered immunized against measles and do not usually need to be vaccinated. A birth before 1957 only provides presumed evidence of measles, mumps and rubella. Before vaccines were available, almost everyone was infected with the measles, mumps and rubella virus during childhood. Most people born before 1957 have probably been naturally infected and are therefore presumed to be protected against measles, mumps and rubella. Health personnel born before 1957 without laboratory evidence of immunity or disease should consider receiving two doses of MMR vaccine.

The Pender County Department of Health offers measles vaccine and MMR titles. Contact the Pender County Health Department for any questions regarding costs. You do not need an appointment to receive a vaccine or a title. Walking hours are from 8h to 17h from Monday to Friday (closed from noon to noon every day for lunch and public holidays). We are located at 803 S. Walker Street, Burgaw.

You can call 910-259-1230 or visit the Ministry of Health website www.health.pendercountync.gov.

If you live in the Hampstead area, you can visit the Hampstead Annex Immunization Clinic, which is open every Wednesday from noon to 5 pm. No appointment is necessary. The Hampstead Annex is located at 15060 US Highway 17, Hampstead.