People born between 1957 and 1989 may not be protected from measles despite the vaccine

PINELLAS COUNTY, Florida – It's not just kids who need the measles vaccine. Health experts warn that those born between 1957 and 1989 may not be protected as much as expected from national epidemics.

People between the ages of 30 and 60 are more likely to get the virus because they received only one dose of the MMR vaccine. In 1989, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention changed their recommendations by asking people to give two injections instead of one. Those who have been vaccinated against measles but who have not received the second dose may not have enough anti-measles antibodies to protect them.

Since January 1, 2019, at least 465 measles cases have been reported in the United States.

According to the CDC, there are currently outbreaks of measles in Rockland counties in New York and New York, Washington, Santa Cruz County in California, Butte County in California, New Jersey and Michigan. In Michigan, it is the largest epidemic since 1991. According to the CDC, the majority of people who have caught measles were not vaccinated.

The virus is so contagious that, without being vaccinated, 90% of people close to it can infect it without touching immunity. Symptoms usually begin within seven to 14 days of exposure. They may also appear 21 days later. Symptoms of measles include: high fever, runny nose, cough, revealing rash, and small white spots in the mouth.

So what can you do? Know your status. If you have documents proving that you have received both doses, you are clear. If you are not sure, a simple blood test can check your immunity to measles. Doctors can test your blood for measles antibodies and see if you have enough to provide full vaccine protection.