A Measles FAQ with Marc Mazade, M.D.
Our Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Control Answers Our Questions
Measles FAQ
Q: How do I keep abreast of the current measles outbreaks in Grayson and surrounding Counties?
Q: Should I be giving the first MMR to those between 6 and 12 months old now?
A: No, unless your family lives in or has travel plans which include far NW Texas in the Gaines and surrounding counties area, I would wait for your local health department to give the nod. Texas is a big state. Remember, if giving MMR after 6 months but before 12 months due to potential exposure, such as travel to northwest Texas, the vaccine dose does NOT count toward the 2 MMRs before 4-6 years and must be repeated.
Q: Should I give the second dose of the MMR vaccine now to a child older than 1 year old? Will it count?
A: Give the 4 years or older their second dose now. Give a second dose of MMR 28 days of more after the first dose if measles is currently affecting the county your child lives in. That dose DOES count. Otherwise wait for a recommendation from your health department. Texas is huge.
Q: Do I need an MMR booster myself?
A: That is a complicated question. If you know you need one, then do it! If you have a condition that could have affected your antibody production or received IVIG within 9 months of your MMR, then talk with your doctor or your immunologist. Remember that MMR is a live virus vaccine, so there are lots of considerations here beside antibody production.
Q: Should I get a Measles titer on myself (Measles IgG)?
A: If you have a condition that could have affected your antibody production or received IVIG within 9 months of your MMR, then talk with your doctor or your immunologist. Remember that MMR is a live virus vaccine, and isn’t safe for everyone.
Q: Which patients need evidence of measles immunity (Measles IgG)?
A: If your patient has a condition that could have affected his or her antibody production or received IVIG within 9 months of the MMR, then talk consider it.
Q: What else should I remember?
A: Remember to mask the patient with a surgical mask and close the door when evaluating a potential measles patient. Use the COOK CHILDREN’S CLINICAL PATHWAY. Wear gowns, gloves, eye protection, and including N95 (everyone caring for patient, regardless of immunity). See and test at your location without referring to the lab, UCC, or ED unless clinically indicated for higher level of care. These sites can amplify outbreak. Then call head to inform the receiving facility. Call the local health department to make sure they know!
Marc Mazade, M.D.
Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Control