September 27, 2024 – Health Hero Tennessee

With the school year starting and the fall season in full swing, it’s prime time for illnesses to spread through communities. Just recently, Tennessee reported its first measles case in over four years, involving an individual who had traveled internationally and spent time in Kentucky while infectious. Although the infected individual has fully recovered and no additional cases have been reported in the state, this serves as a reminder of how quickly and dangerously these diseases can spread.

According to the latest update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. has recorded 262 measles cases this year, with 13 outbreaks reported. Of these cases, 70% are associated with ongoing outbreaks, which can have a deadly impact if you’re not vaccinated.

Measles by the Numbers

So far in 2024, cases have been reported in 32 jurisdictions nationwide. What’s concerning is that around 40% of reported cases are in children aged five and under, the age group most vulnerable to severe complications from the disease. The CDC also reports that 88% of all measles cases involve individuals who are either unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unclear. Only 4% of patients who contracted measles had been fully vaccinated with the two recommended doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Hospitalizations among those infected were of the highest concern from the CDC. It reports that more than 42% of patients required hospitalization, either for isolation or for managing complications related to measles, such as pneumonia or encephalitis.

The Importance of Vaccination

It’s not a comeback you want to see, and one that the World Health Organization warns we could experience more often. Between 2021 and 2022, measles cases were estimated to increase by 18%. Also, between 2021 and 2022, the number of countries experiencing measles outbreaks increased from 22 to 37, and deaths from measles increased by 43%. However, between 2021 and 2022, an estimated 57 million measles deaths were estimated to have been prevented by measles vaccination.

These numbers are proof that vaccines work to fight against this disease. While the measles vaccine is highly effective, it does require two doses to provide full protection. Individuals who are unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or whose immunity has waned are at a much higher risk of contracting and spreading the virus.

Parents should ensure their children receive the MMR vaccine on schedule, and those traveling internationally should verify that their vaccinations are current. As international travel increases with the upcoming holidays, maintaining high vaccination rates will be crucial in preventing the spread of measles worldwide.

What Happens If You’re Not Vaccinated

If you contract the virus, the outcome can be extremely dangerous. Measles is a highly contagious disease that presents symptoms 7 to 14 days after infection, including high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A rash typically appears 3 to 5 days later, spreading from the face to the rest of the body, often accompanied by a high fever. Complications, especially in young children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals, can include ear infections, pneumonia, encephalitis, and in some cases, death. Severe complications can lead to hospitalization, and long-term risks include subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a fatal condition.

A National Health Priority

With a recent increase in measles cases across the U.S., public health authorities are monitoring cases closely, particularly in areas with low vaccination rates. The CDC and state health departments are working to contain outbreaks and prevent further spread, but the risk remains in communities where vaccination coverage is low. Tennessee’s recent case highlights the interconnected nature of public health — what happens abroad can quickly impact local communities.

If you have questions about measles or want to learn more about vaccines, it’s best to contact your health provider. They can provide you with the information you need to help ensure you and your family are protected.

Sources:

Tennessee Department of Health

CDC: Measles Cases and Outbreaks

CDC: Measles Symptoms and Complications

The National Library of Medicine: A Review of the Resurgence of Measles, a Vaccine-Preventable Disease, as Current Concerns Contrast with Past Hopes for Measles Elimination

Fact: Vaccinations have been a cornerstone of public health for decades, saving between four to five million lives worldwide each year by preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Despite this, several myths and misconceptions lead some to delay or avoid vaccinations. Misinformation can have serious consequences, both for individuals and the wider community. We compiled the top five most common myths to help start the conversation and address concerns people may have about vaccines.

1. Myth: Vaccines Can Cause the Illness They’re Meant to Prevent

Fact: Vaccines contain weakened or inactivated parts of the germ, not the active virus, so they cannot cause the illness. Individuals might experience mild side effects, which are usually temporary and last from a few hours to a few days as the body builds immunity. These common reactions include redness, swelling, soreness, chills, fatigue, joint pain, headache, mild fever, and muscle aches, with children often being fussier than usual. Stress-related reactions like fainting, lightheadedness, and rapid breathing can also occur, particularly in those with a high fear of needles. The risk of experiencing severe illness from a vaccine-preventable disease is far higher than any rare vaccine side effect.

2. Myth: Vaccines Aren’t Necessary Anymore

Fact: This has been something of a growing concern lately, as some believe that vaccines are no longer necessary because many diseases have become rare, like polio or measles. In 2020, the global coverage of childhood vaccines dropped due to COVID-19, resulting in 23 million children missing out on routine immunizations — the highest number since 2009. This is concerning because infectious diseases can easily resurface, leading to outbreaks. The U.S. has recently experienced this, with clusters of measle cases popping up in several states, including one case reported in Tennessee, its first case in five years. If anything, getting vaccinated is more necessary than ever, so communities can build herd immunity and prevent these dangerous diseases from spreading.

3. Myth: Vaccines Are Full of Harmful Ingredients

Fact: Some worry that vaccines contain dangerous chemicals, such as mercury or formaldehyde. However, the amounts used in vaccines are minuscule and have been proven safe through extensive research. For instance, the mercury compound found in some vaccines (thimerosal) is harmless in the small quantities used, and it has even been removed from most vaccines as a precautionary measure. Every ingredient in a vaccine serves a specific purpose. Vaccines are designed to provide immunity by helping the body create antibodies against diseases. Certain ingredients ensure the vaccine remains safe and effective over time by preventing contamination and degradation. For instance, stabilizers like sugars and gelatin help maintain vaccine efficacy, while adjuvants such as aluminum salts enhance the body’s immune response. Regulatory agencies globally continue to monitor vaccine safety to ensure their ingredients are non-toxic.

4. Myth: Natural Immunity Is Better Than Vaccine-Induced Immunity

Fact: While natural immunity can develop after contracting a disease, it comes with significant risks. Diseases like measles, chickenpox, and whooping cough can lead to severe complications, including hospitalization and even death. Vaccination allows individuals to gain immunity without illness, providing a safer and more controlled way to protect against disease. When comparing natural immunity and vaccine-induced immunity, vaccines provide a higher, more robust, and more consistent level of immunity. A 2021 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that COVID-19 vaccines provided better protection than previous infections alone. The study showed that vaccinated patients were less likely to test positive for the virus among those hospitalized with COVID-like symptoms compared to those who had recovered from a prior infection months earlier.

5. Myth: Vaccines Cause Autism

Fact: This myth is the one that has gained the most traction due to it being part of a now debunked study in the late 1990s. This report falsely claimed a link between the MMR vaccine and autism. A big part of the reason this myth became popular is that children typically show the first signs of autism around the same age (12–18 months) that they receive vaccines like the MMR vaccine. This timing led some to mistakenly associate vaccines with autism onset. Since the release of the report, numerous large-scale studies have found no evidence of a connection between vaccines and autism. Trustworthy health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) CDC, confirm that vaccines do not cause autism.

The Bottom Line: Vaccines Save Lives

Vaccines are among the most thoroughly researched and monitored medical interventions, and the benefits far outweigh the minimal risks. Extensive clinical trials, continuous surveillance, and rigorous safety protocols have ensured that vaccines are safe and effective. The risks of not being vaccinated are significantly higher. Unvaccinated individuals are more susceptible to contracting preventable diseases, many of which can lead to severe complications, long-term health issues, or even death. Don’t let that turn into regret when protection is within reach. Don’t wait until it’s too late — get vaccinated and protect yourself and your future self will thank you for making that decision.

Sources:

WHO: Vaccines and Immunization

WHO: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Herd immunity, lockdowns and COVID-19

WHO: COVID-19 pandemic leads to major backsliding on childhood vaccinations, new WHO, UNICEF data shows

WHO: Vaccines and immunization: Myths and misconceptions

WHO: Vaccines and immunization: Vaccine safety

National Library of Medicine: Exploring the Reasons Behind Parental Refusal of Vaccines

National Library of Medicine: Vaccination as a cause of autism — myths and controversies

CDC: Vaccine Basics

CDC: Laboratory-Confirmed COVID-19 Among Adults Hospitalized with COVID-19–Like Illness with Infection-Induced or mRNA Vaccine-Induced SARS-CoV-2 Immunity — Nine States, January–September 2021