What you should know about the outbreak of measles and its financial impact

[QuarterMillionMan]

I was vaccinated as a kid but not sure as an adult if I can get still get it. How long would I miss work affecting my finances? I'm guessing kids are mainly the victims and unvaccinated more so at that. Should we be masking up again?

[EasyMoney00]

Wow, this thread is a stretch, even for you QMM. You're slipping. Yep, measles will have a huge affect on finances. Batten down the hatches. Smh

[ua_guy]

The financial impact is to the unvaccinated who are exposed by other unvaccinated individuals. There's also significant impact to the health systems that end up caring for these individuals. The health systems either eat the cost or receive pennies on the dollar when reimbursed by Medicaid.

Fortunately, my parents believe in science and I was vaccinated. I'm not concerned for myself. But this is another example of f-around and f-ind out.

[disneysteve]

You can have your health care provider order an antibody titer blood test to make sure you are still immune. If not, you just get a booster vaccine. Measles is super easy to prevent. It’s sad and frustrating that this is happening when there’s absolutely no reason for it. Your insurance will cover the blood test and the vaccine so financial impact should be minimal to zero.

[ua_guy]

....And we now have confirmed cases and exposures here in the Northwest. This whole thing is so unbelievably stupid, and totally preventable....

Can someone tell me since when Measles outbreaks and people dying from measles is "normal" in America? How did we get to this point?

[disneysteve]

....And we now have confirmed cases and exposures here in the Northwest. This whole thing is so unbelievably stupid, and totally preventable....

Can someone tell me since when Measles outbreaks and people dying from measles is "normal" in America? How did we get to this point?

Let's not go there. We all know the answer and this really isn't the place to discuss it.

QMM asked a question regarding financial impact of a measles outbreak. It's certainly well known what financial impact the COVID pandemic had so it's a fair question to ask here. Thankfully, the vast majority of Americans (and non-Americans as well) have been vaccinated and are at negligible risk. The ones who will suffer are the ones who haven't been vaccinated. Some of them can't be for medical reasons. Some choose not to be. And some are immunocompromised for various reasons. That's who will suffer as the disease spreads.

I've been a doctor for 35 years. I've seen one case of measles, around 1991 during my internship. The ER doc called the entire house staff to come down and see the patient so that we would know what measles looked like.

[QuarterMillionMan]

My last dose of MMR was 1999, is it still good or should I get another. Also, I'm almost positive I got it as a kid as well maybe in the 70's. So with 2 lifetime doses I'm guessing no need for more. Any pro-tips?

[disneysteve]

My last dose of MMR was 1999, is it still good or should I get another. Also, I'm almost positive I got it as a kid as well maybe in the 70's. So with 2 lifetime doses I'm guessing no need for more. Any pro-tips?

I answered that in post #4

[QuarterMillionMan]

#4 is too much work, I rather just go to CVS and get the shot and be done with it.

[disneysteve]

#4 is too much work, I rather just go to CVS and get the shot and be done with it.

I suppose that’s an option too. I’m an avid supporter of vaccines but that doesn’t mean I ever want to get ones I don’t need. I’d much rather check first.

You asked if your 1999 dose is still good. I told you how to find out. There’s no other way to get that answer.

[QuarterMillionMan]

I read somewhere that for the measles vaccine 1 shot gives 93% protection, 2 shots gives 97% protection. I'm good already.

[disneysteve]

I read somewhere that for the measles vaccine 1 shot gives 93% protection, 2 shots gives 97% protection. I'm good already.

The current recommendation is for folks who were vaccinated before 1968 to get a booster. That’s because the vaccine used back then was different and didn’t work as well. That includes folks my age and older. If you were vaccinated after 1968 you’re likely okay but a titer is the only way to be sure.

[QuarterMillionMan]

From the CDC website. Extrapolating from the CDC, if I got 2 as a child, then 1 as an adult in 1999, I've gotten 3 at this point.


Children


CDC recommends children should routinely get 2 doses of MMR vaccine:

• First dose at age 12 through 15 months
• Second dose at age 4 through 6 years (before school entry)

This can be administered as MMR or MMRV vaccine. Children can receive the second dose of MMR vaccine earlier than 4 through 6 years (as long as it is at least 28 days after the first dose). A second dose of MMRV vaccine can be given 3 months after the first dose up to 12 years of age.

CDC recommends that separate MMR and varicella vaccines be given for the first dose in children aged 12–47 months; however, MMRV may be used if parents or caregivers express a preference.
Keep Reading:Birth to 18 Years Immunization Schedule Adults


Adults and teens should also be up to date on MMR vaccinations with either 1 or 2 doses (depending on risk factors); unless they have other presumptive evidence of immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella. MMR vaccination is especially important for healthcare professionals, international travelers, and other specific groups.

One dose of MMR vaccine, or other presumptive evidence of immunity, is sufficient for most adults. Providers generally do not need to actively screen adult patients for measles immunity in non-outbreak areas in the United States. After vaccination, it is also not necessary to test patients for antibodies to confirm immunity. There is no recommendation for a catch-up program among adults for a second dose of MMR (e.g., people born before 1989 or otherwise).

[myrdale]

Let's not go there. We all know the answer and this really isn't the place to discuss it.

Once again people throw out these blanket statements assuming everyone agrees with their logic / politics and don't want anyone to respond. "Saying lets not go there" would have been sufficient. But no. Adding the "We all know the answer" is complete and utter BS.

There are required vaccinations (measles) required to enter this country LEGALLY. When the established legal channels are bypassed pools of infected individuals pour into the country. Unless your answer was for that reason, and that reason alone, then NO we do not all know the answer.

[myrdale]

QuarterMillionMan, my understanding is the MMR vaccine immunity is more or less life time.

You can loose some immunities from vaccines. Rabies doesn't last forever. One of the Hepatitis shots you can loose over time as well.

If you contract HIV or maybe have cancer, or your overall immunity is heavily impacted for other reasons, I believe that can make you susceptible to infections.

Also vaccinations in general don't necessarily stop the initial infection, they greatly reduce the impact. COVID or flu, you may still get sick, but you'll be worlds better off having gotten a vaccine (for the strain you were exposed to) than not.