MMR Vaccine

[FaithT]

For all you fellow oldsters out there who plans on getting the MMR booster? My daughter wants us to get it….I was born in 1960 and I’ve already talked to my Nurse Practitioner who has ok’d it. I’ll maybe get it sometime next week. I’m wondering how the side effects are? I felt lousy after the shingles vaccine.

 

[RileyG]

I’m 29, I assume I’m vaccinated for everything? I dunno.

 

[Bob Crowley]

The Australian Immunisation Handbook gives guidelines as below. Those born before 1966 like the geriatric writing this post are assumed to have acquired natural immunity "due to widespread measles circulation during their early years", but it has been known to occur in people born before 1966.

What you need to know about measles

It may seem like something from the past, but measles is back – and it is a serious health issue.

nationalseniors.com.au

The Australian Immunisation Handbook provides clear guidelines regarding measles vaccination:

• People born before 1966: Most are considered to have acquired natural immunity
• People born during or since 1966: Those without documented evidence of receiving two doses of a measles-containing vaccine or without serological proof of immunity should consider vaccination. This is particularly crucial for:
  • Healthcare workers
  • Childhood educators and carers
  • People working in long-term care or correctional facilities
  • International travellers, especially to regions with ongoing outbreaks.

Given that confirmed cases have occurred in people born before 1966, if there is any doubt about immunity, vaccination may be recommended.

Doctors say that receiving two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is essential for optimal protection. Some adults may have received only one dose during childhood, leaving them partially protected. Ensuring two documented doses can significantly enhance immunity.

I'm 70 and the doctor has never mentioned measles immunisation. I've been getting a flu shot for years, and (touch wood) I haven't caught the flu for years either. He or others recommended some other immunisations - COVID, pneumonia and shingles, but never measles.

Passing the MMR ball back to your court.