In recent weeks, Texas has reported at least 90 cases of measles in the northwest of the state. Among them, there are 5 cases where individuals claim to have been vaccinated.
It is uncertain whether these five cases were fully vaccinated. If you are observing this situation from Texas or elsewhere, you might be wondering if you should receive booster shots for measles and other infectious diseases.
For measles, the short answer is no, according to Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
“The measles vaccine is highly effective,” said Schaffner. “If you were properly vaccinated as a child, you don’t need to worry about getting a booster.”
However, not all vaccines are the same. Some vaccines may require boosters as the protective effects decrease over time. Recommended booster shots for certain adults with specific conditions or illnesses may vary.
Here is a breakdown of when certain routine childhood vaccination boosters may be needed for adults:
Measles
Most vaccinated adults do not need a measles booster.
Since 1989, the US Advisory Committee has recommended two doses of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines for all children. The initial dose is typically given to infants between 12 and 15 months old, with a second dose administered between 4 and 6 years old.
If you were born before 1957, you likely have natural immunity from exposure to measles as a child. In such cases, no vaccinations or boosters are necessary, according to Dr. Priya Sampathkumar, an infectious disease expert at Mayo Clinic. Adults born after 1957 who have received both doses of the vaccine do not need boosters either.
A single dose of the MMR vaccine provides sufficient protection for most adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“If you are unsure of your vaccination status and live in an area where measles is spreading, consider getting vaccinated,” said Sampathkumar.
For individuals in special circumstances, such as hospital workers in high-risk environments or those with certain medical conditions, it may be advisable to undergo antibody level testing and possibly receive a booster shot.
In the case of the five vaccinated individuals in Texas who contracted measles, Dr. Ryan Maves, an infectious disease expert at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, noted that such breakthrough cases are rare and tend to be milder with a reduced risk of severe complications compared to unvaccinated individuals.
Dr. Maves highlighted the impact of measles on immune memory, stating that the virus can affect B cells, which are crucial for immunological memory.
Tetanus
Most adults should receive a tetanus booster every 10 years, as recommended by Dr. Maves.
The tetanus vaccine is part of a combination vaccine that also protects against diphtheria and pertussis. While children receive DTAP vaccines, adults typically receive TDAP vaccines.
The current recommendations for TDAP vaccination include doses at various stages of childhood and a booster every 10 years for preteens and adults.
Tetanus is a potentially fatal infection that enters the body through wounds and can cause severe muscle spasms, which is why regular booster shots are essential.
In cases where adults are unsure of their vaccination status, it is safe and reasonable to receive a booster shot, according to Dr. Aguilar.
Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
Similar to the tetanus shot, adults are advised to receive a pertussis booster every 10 years, as pertussis is part of the combination vaccine.
Pertussis is highly contagious and can lead to serious respiratory complications, especially as protection from the vaccine diminishes over time.
Adults may consider getting a TDAP booster, especially as protection against pertussis used to involve whole-cell vaccines that had more side effects. The transition to cell-free vaccines has reduced side effects but also means protection may not last as long.
For individuals in contact with newborns, a TDAP booster is recommended to prevent the spread of pertussis, particularly because infants are at high risk of contracting the disease.
Meningitis
While most adults do not require boosters for meningitis, there are exceptions for individuals with specific conditions or risks, such as those with compromised immune systems or living in high-risk environments.
The vaccine against meningitis is typically given in adolescence, with protection lasting around five years. Boosters may be necessary for certain individuals with medical conditions affecting the spleen or immune system.
Travelers to regions with high rates of meningitis may also need a booster shot before their trip.
HPV
For HPV, there is currently no data supporting the need for booster shots in adults, according to Dr. Maves.
Most individuals receive two doses of the HPV vaccine before the age of 15, which protects against multiple strains of the virus that can lead to cervical cancer.
While the vaccine is highly effective in preventing cancer, individuals up to 46 years old can discuss the possibility of receiving the vaccine with their healthcare providers, especially if they have not been previously vaccinated.
Consideration for catching up on the HPV vaccine may be reasonable for adults in their 30s or 40s who did not receive it as children. However, the efficacy of the vaccine diminishes with age, so the benefits may be less clear after the age of 40.
Source: www.nbcnews.com
