Chicagoans Urged to Stay Current on Measles Vaccinations Amid National Outbreaks
Measles Outbreak Worsens Nationwide
As measles outbreaks worsen nationwide, Chicago doctors are urging people to stay current on their vaccinations against the highly contagious virus. Measles, a disease once considered eradicated from the United States, periodically pops up in small numbers of cases in Illinois and throughout the nation. But the latest outbreak that began in West Texas is one of the worst in recent memory, infectious disease and pediatric doctors told the Sun-Times.
Concerns About the Outbreak
At least 164 cases have been confirmed nationwide, and an unvaccinated child has died from the virus in West Texas, the first confirmed measles death in the U.S. in 10 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And although no cases have been reported in Illinois so far this year, those in Texas and other states are a reminder for people to stay vigilant, Tan said.
Importance of Vaccination
“What people need to recognize is measles can be a serious disease,” she said. “And the vaccine for measles is the most important and effective preventative measure for protecting their child against measles.” The current two-dose measles vaccine, which includes a live virus, has been around since 1968, said Dr. Anu Hazra, an infectious disease doctor with UChicago Medicine.
How the Vaccine Works
The first dose is given when a child is between 12 and 15 months old. The second dose is given between the ages 4 and 7. That first dose alone gives 93% immunity and two doses supplies 97%, Hazra said.
Booster Shots
“We can all take a deep breath. If you got both doses, you are protected,” Hazra said. “The measles vaccine we’ve had since the late 1960s is really potent, and it’s really something we don’t think about boosting in any situation.” During the early to mid 1960s, a weaker version of the vaccine without a live virus was available. And people born before 1957 gained immunity because they were most likely exposed to measles during their childhood, Hazra said.
Herd Immunity
Herd immunity for measles is reached when 95% of the public is vaccinated, Hazra said, which protects the people who can’t get the live virus vaccine, such as babies under 12 months and people who are severely immunocompromised. For the 2023-24 school year, the vaccine rate for Illinois school-aged children was 94.4%, according to data from the Illinois Department of Public Health. Chicago’s was at 92.2%.
Getting Vaccinated
“To get this under control, we need to get our vaccine numbers up,” said Tan, who also serves as the president of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. “Getting vaccinated protects yourself and your family and it means you’re looking out for others around you in the community.”
Outbreaks Across the Country
Outbreaks have been reported in other states besides Texas, including in New Mexico, Alaska, California, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New York City, and Rhode Island, the CDC reports. So far this year, no measles cases have been reported in Illinois, according to state health figures. In 2024, there were 67 cases, by far the most in the last 15 years. The majority of those cases —61— were reported in Cook County, and several of them were likely connected to measles outbreaks at migrant shelters in Chicago.
Complications and Risks
Measles can cause serious complications and kill people, Tan said. The more common complications include ear infections, diarrhea, hearing loss, blindness, pneumonia, and severe brain inflammation that can lead to convulsions, deafness, or intellectual disabilities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is crucial for people to stay current on their measles vaccinations and to get their children vaccinated as well. The risks associated with measles are serious and can be life-threatening. By getting vaccinated, individuals can not only protect themselves but also their loved ones and their community.
FAQs
Q: How do I know if I need to get vaccinated?
A: If you were born between 1957 and 1968, you may have only received a weaker version of the vaccine without a live virus. You should consider getting inoculated with the current vaccine, also called MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella).
Q: Can I get a booster shot?
A: If you got two doses of the vaccine, you are protected for life. However, if you’re unsure about your vaccination status, you should talk to your healthcare provider and get vaccinated.
Q: What is herd immunity?
A: Herd immunity is reached when 95% of the public is vaccinated, which protects the people who can’t get the live virus vaccine, such as babies under 12 months and people who are severely immunocompromised.
