Measles Vaccine? RVNA Urges Connecticut Residents to Check Vaccination Records

Measles Outbreak is Serious Problem in U.S.

RVNA Urges Connecticut Residents to Check Vaccination Records

Despite the fact that a highly effective measles vaccine has been available in the U.S. since 1963, measles is a serious problem in the U.S. right now.  According to the CDC, 644 cases were reported in 2014, the most since 2000.  And an outbreak is currently taking place in California and five other states that has been traced to a non-vaccinated visitor to Disneyland.  Secondary cases are being reported in California, which is not surprising given that measles is one of the most contagious of all infectious diseases.  

According to Theresa Santoro MSN, RN, President of RVNA (Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association), “Measles can quickly lead to outbreaks in groups of people that are unvaccinated because the early symptoms mimic many common viruses, and people can be contagious for four days before the telltale rash symptom appears.”

Measles is a virus that is spread through coughing and sneezing.  The virus can live for up to two hours on a surface or in the airspace where an infected person coughed or sneezed.  The symptoms of measles typically appear seven to 14 days after a person is infected. Measles typically begins with fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes and progresses to a rash, which usually starts on the face and spreads, along with a high fever.

Communities with low vaccination rates are more likely to experience outbreaks because people with immunity do not spread the disease.

Complications from measles can be serious, including severe diarrhea, permanent hearing loss, pneumonia, encephalitis, brain damage, mental retardation, and death.  Children younger than five years of age, adults older than 20 years of age, pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems are at particular risk for complications.

So what can a resident of Western Connecticut do to avoid contracting measles?  Santoro says that the best way to avoid contracting the virus is by being vaccinated.  It usually takes  10-14 days after the immunization for a person’s body to develop immunity.

“Pull out your vaccination records to confirm that you have been immunized,” suggests Santoro.

But what if your records are lost or destroyed?  There is a simple blood test that can be ordered by a primary care physician to determine if a person has immunity to measles or not, either from having had the disease or receiving the vaccine. People born in the U.S. before 1957 are considered to have immunity from measles.

Adults that are unsure of their vaccination history and know that they have not had measles can be vaccinated.  RVNA has measles vaccine in stock; other health care providers may as well.

“We recommend that people visit their primary care physician to discuss their particular situation,” says Santoro.  If they would like to receive the vaccine from RVNA, they just need to make an appointment and bring a prescription for the vaccine with them.

Children are routinely vaccinated at their pediatrician’s office during well-child exams, but if for some reason your child has not received the measles vaccine, Santoro urges you to do so quickly.   RVNA can administer the measles vaccine to children.

Measles is quite common in many countries outside the U.S., so another step that Connecticut residents can take to protect themselves is to be vigilant while in places where international travelers congregate, such as theme parks, international airports, cruise ships, etc. Connecticut residents traveling abroad may also want to have a travel consultation with a travel health specialist, such as RVNA’s own Mary Ellen Porrata, APRN, to discuss their itinerary and health history, and to receive any recommended vaccines.

“We know that measles spreads quickly among those with no immunity to it, and the side effects can be serious, even fatal,” says Santoro.  “So during this outbreak, check your vaccination history, and that of your children.  Why not protect the ones you love?”

To Contact RVNA

Call RVNA at 203-438-5555. Visit RVNA at www.ridgefieldvna.org.

About RVNA

Founded in 1914, RVNA provides home health care services, supports public health and safety, and promotes the highest quality of life in Western Connecticut 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Services include home health care, senior care solutions, disease management, an “aging-in-place” program, a travel health specialist, immunization and vaccination clinics, as well as educational and wellness programs.

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Submitted by Southbury, CT

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