Expert Discusses 3-Pronged Approach to Combat Measles Outbreaks
The 3-pronged strategy includes vaccination, isolation, and education.
In the current information era, transparency is crucial when discussing vaccines, particularly the MMR vaccine for measles. Crystal Hodge, PharmD, associate professor of pharmacotherapy at The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, emphasizes moving beyond generic statements like "generally safe and effective" and instead providing specific, data-driven information. The MMR vaccine is highly effective, with 2 doses preventing approximately 97% of measles infections, and even a single dose offering 93% protection during outbreaks. Pharmacists play a critical role in vaccine education and administration. They can administer vaccines to individuals 14 and older, with some restrictions for younger patients. Hodge highlights important vaccination considerations, such as the recommended vaccine schedule (first dose at 12 to 15 months, second dose at 4 to 6 years) and special circumstances like early vaccination during outbreaks. Notably, individuals born before 1957 are considered immune, while those with severe neomycin allergies or pregnant women should avoid the vaccine.
Additionally, Hodge addresses the potential complications of measles, which can be more severe in very young children and adults. Complications may include pneumonia, ear infections, and diarrhea, with malnutrition increasing the risk of severe outcomes.
A key recommendation is a 3-pronged strategy: vaccinate, isolate, and educate. This involves promoting vaccination for eligible individuals, practicing isolation during potential exposure periods, and engaging communities with transparent, data-driven information. Hodge stresses the importance of combating misinformation by discussing vaccine adverse effects openly, understanding local immunization rates, and using tools like vaccination record-keeping systems. Ultimately, she calls for collaborative, transparent communication about public health challenges, encouraging community engagement, research participation, and a nuanced approach to addressing vaccine hesitancy.
"Basic hand hygiene, basic hygiene in general, is really helpful. So cover your nose when you sneeze [and] your mouth when you cough; those basic things can be really helpful. Vaccinating your community and having that herd immunity is really helpful," Hodge said. "We need to be talking to each other, and we need to be engaging in good faith ways, including a lot of transparency, and really trying to stand on the merits of science that currently exists."
