Local public health officials encourage measles vaccines

IN light of a recent U.S. measles case, local public health officials are encouraging parents to make sure their child is fully vaccinated against measles. 

In March, 2023 the Centers for Disease Control Prevention (CDC) issued a health advisory about a confirmed measles case in an unvaccinated person at a large gathering in Kentucky. The individual had recently traveled internationally and while vaccination has drastically reduced global measles deaths, measles is still common in many developing countries. 

In the United States, measles cases more than doubled in one year, from 49 in 2021 to 121 in 2022, all among children who weren’t fully vaccinated, according to the CDC.

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that frequently causes severe flu-like symptoms; fever, cough, runny nose and a rash of tiny red spots. It is spread through the air by droplets when an infected person is coughing or sneezing, kissing, touching a contaminated surface or by a handshake or a hug. It can also be spread from mother to baby during pregnancy, labor or breastfeeding. 

Young children are especially vulnerable. Common complications of measles are ear infections and diarrhea. More severe complications are pneumonia, brain swelling, deafness, intellectual disabilities and death.

Measles can be prevented with the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine. The MMR vaccine has an excellent safety record and is highly effective. Just two doses of MMR, given at ages 12-15 months and at ages 4-6 years, is 97 percent effective at preventing measles. If missed at these ages, MMR can be given later, but ideally, getting vaccinated in early childhood provides the best protection.

Most people who get MMR vaccines have no side effects. Side effects that do occur are usually very mild including fever, rash, injection site soreness or swelling. More serious side effects are rare. Scientific studies continue to show that there is no link between vaccines and autism. Vaccine ingredients do not cause autism.

Locally, MMR immunization rates are variable. Based on 2021-2022 data, the MMR rate in Alamosa County kindergarten-age children is below 95percent, the level that scientists have determined will maintain herd immunity against measles.

Protect your family and the community by making sure your family is up-to-date on MMR vaccine. 

MMR vaccine is available through your medical provider and at most public health departments. For questions about MMR and other vaccines, please call Alamosa County Public Health Department at 719- 589-6639 or visit CDC at cdc.gov/measles.

COVID vaccinations and boosters available

Public health officials also offer a reminder that vaccinations and boosters for COVID-19 and influenza are available at no cost via the vaccine bus: Here is the latest schedule for the mobile vaccination bus offered through San Luis Valley public health agencies:

• Wednesday, March 29, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Mineral County Public Health in Creede
• Thursday, March 30, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. at the Fort Garland Museum in Fort Garland
• Friday, March 31, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. at Dollar Tree in Alamosa
• Wednesday, April 12, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Our Lady of the Valley Food bank distribution in La Jara
• Saturday, April 15, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. at BFG Community Center/Health Fair in Costilla
• Tuesday, April 18, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Clubs in Alamosa
• Thursday, April 20, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. at Dollar Tree in Alamosa

Information about COVID-19 data, testing, and vaccination in the San Luis Valley can be found at www.slvphp.com/slv-covid-19-information.