The importance of the MMR vaccine

I want to talk today about a vaccine.

Wait...don't roll your eyes! This one is important, especially in light of the recent outbreak of measles that you have probably been hearing about. I feel it appropriate that we reexamine our thoughts on the MEASLES (MMR) vaccine.

Most of our children here in Seeley Lake have been vaccinated, as have most of us adults. This has given our community a certain 'herd' immunity. In simple terms, this means that those of us that have been immunized have been a shield and a protection to those that have not. So-I think a thank you is in order, and maybe a pat on the back. FYI, there is a nice little article on Wikipedia that does a decent job of explaining herd immunity should you be interested.

Unfortunately, given the recent outbreak, our unimmunized children, our little babies and our immunocompromised (like those getting cancer treatments) are now at risk.

I just read an article today explaining that health officials have found that the initial case was contracted overseas by an unimmunized adult who brought it home and has subsequently infected other non-immunized people in public places such as Costco and at a Trailblazers game of all places.

Measles is a virus that is transmitted in the air and can hang around for quite a while. Feasibly, you could walk into an empty room and simply breathe in the virus that was left in the air by someone hours before. This is a bit scary to think about. Granted, it's not the zombie apocalypse, but still a case of encephalitis from measles can be deadly.

It's cases like this that threaten to break through our herd immunity. I hate to add this next quote (actually, not really), but Dr. Nancy Messonnier, Director, CDC National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Disease, recently said, "It's those that are unvaccinated that put us all at risk".

Can you imagine? We are one trip to the market, one family visit or one simple airplane ride away from having measles here in Seeley Lake.

The short of my message today is that if you have not been vaccinated-please reconsider.

Another article I recently came across told of medical clinics in Washington that are likely going to deny care to the any patient that has not had the MMR vaccine. I'm not sure I blame them, after all, our clinics are where someone with measles are likely to go, making them likely places to become infected.

If you or your children are unvaccinated, its time you reconsider. The scale that balances risk verses benefit has tipped in its favor. Do it for them, do it for us.

I recommend the MMR vaccination for children starting at age 12 months and a second dose after age 4. For un-immunized adults, a single dose has been shown to be effective.

Yes, there are those who should NOT be vaccinated and that includes people who have had a serious reaction to neomysin, are immune compromised or are on certain medicines such as prednisone.

It's safe and has been shown to be effective. Two doses of MMR have been shown to be 97 percent effective. That's pretty good. While initial studies (way back in 1979) suggested an increase risk of autism associated with the MMR vaccine, EXTENSIVE studies that have been done since showed that there is NO increased risk due to the vaccine. The CDC states that "getting the MMR vaccine is far safer that getting the measles, mumps or rubella."

Finally, be aware that the MMR vaccine can cause side effects and these include: fever, mild rash, joint aches or an allergic reaction.

Let's be careful. Let's keep this infection from coming here. Let's get immunized. If you still have concerns-go talk to your doc!

Stay safe, and as always, see you in the clinic.