Measles Prevention and Treatment

Measles can be prevented with MMR vaccine. The vaccine protects against three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella. CDC recommends children get two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 through 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age. Teens and adults should also be up to date on their MMR vaccination.
The MMR vaccine is very safe and effective. Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is about 93% effective.
 

All students and school staff born in or after 1957 who cannot provide adequate evidence of immunity should be vaccinated unless there is a valid contraindication. Exposed persons receiving their second MMR dose and previously unvaccinated persons receiving their first dose as part of the outbreak control program may be immediately readmitted to school or work. These individuals, however, should be monitored for signs and symptoms of measles. 
Individuals with laboratory confirmation of past infection or blood tests showing immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella do not require MMR vaccine. For those without such documentation, it is recommended that students (or parents of minor students) be contacted and advised to obtain vaccine if there is not a medical contraindication. For more information, visit the CDC vaccination page.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website indicates there are populations who should not get the vaccine or who should wait.
Tell your vaccine provider if the person getting the vaccine:
•    Has any severe, life-threatening allergies. A person who has ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction after a dose of MMR vaccine, or has a severe allergy to any part of this vaccine, may be advised not to be vaccinated. Ask your health care provider if you want information about vaccine components.
•    Is pregnant, or thinks she might be pregnant. Pregnant women should wait to get MMR vaccine until after they are no longer pregnant. Women should avoid getting pregnant for at least 1 month after getting MMR vaccine.
•    Has a weakened immune system due to disease (such as cancer or HIV/AIDS) or medical treatments (such as radiation, immunotherapy, steroids, or chemotherapy).
•    Has a parent, brother, or sister with a history of immune system problems.
•    Has ever had a condition that makes them bruise or bleed easily.
•    Has recently had a blood transfusion or received other blood products. You might be advised to postpone MMR vaccination for 3 months or more.
•    Has tuberculosis.
•    Has gotten any other vaccines in the past 4 weeks. Live vaccines given too close together might not work as well.
•    Is not feeling well. A mild illness, such as a cold, is usually not a reason to postpone a vaccination. Someone who is moderately or severely ill should probably wait. Your doctor can advise you.
 

You do not need measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine if you meet any of these criteria for evidence of immunity:
•    You have written documentation of adequate vaccination:
o    at least one dose of a measles, mumps, and rubella virus-containing vaccine administered on or after the first birthday for preschool-age children and adults not at high risk for exposure and transmission
o    two doses of measles and mumps virus-containing vaccine for school-age children and adults at high risk for exposure and transmission, including college students, healthcare personnel, international travelers, and groups at increased risk during outbreaks
•    You have laboratory confirmation of past infection or had blood tests that show you are immune to measles, mumps, and rubella.
•    You were born before 1957.*
If you do not have evidence of immunity against measles, mumps, and rubella, talk with your doctor about getting vaccinated. If you’re unsure whether you’ve been vaccinated, you should first try to find your vaccination records. If you do not have written documentation of MMR vaccine, you should get vaccinated. The MMR vaccine is safe, and there is no harm in getting another dose if you may already be immune to measles, mumps, or rubella.
If you received a measles vaccine in the 1960s, you may not need to be revaccinated. People who have documentation of receiving LIVE measles vaccine in the 1960s do not need to be revaccinated. People who were vaccinated prior to 1968 with either inactivated (killed) measles vaccine or measles vaccine of unknown type should be revaccinated with at least one dose of live attenuated measles vaccine. This recommendation is intended to protect those who may have received killed measles vaccine, which was available in 1963-1967 and was not effective.

For more information, see the CDC measles vaccination page.
 

MMR vaccines are available through the Athens County Health Department if insurance covers the vaccine. It is also available at Campus Care; call 740-592-7100 to schedule an appointment.

Take steps to prevent illness, such as frequent hand-washing with soap and water or a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth. If you need to touch your face, ensure your hands are clean. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing. Try to avoid close contact, such as kissing, hugging or sharing eating utensils or cups, with people who are sick.

Talk to your doctor or nurse if you feel seriously ill, especially if you have a fever. Avoid contact with other people while you are sick.

Avoid contact with other people while you are sick.