A deadly measles outbreak in West Texas and New Mexico is causing concern among health experts as it continues to spread. While the biggest risk is to unvaccinated individuals, there is a group of people who may need updated shots to ensure they are fully protected. This group includes individuals who received a version of the measles vaccine that was available from 1963 to 1968, but later found to be less effective and withdrawn from use.
It is estimated that around 600,000 to 900,000 people in the United States may have received this less effective vaccine, and some of them could be teachers and school staff. Given that about 17 percent of public school teachers are over the age of 55 and 10 percent of superintendents are 60 or older, there is a possibility that some of them may have received the outdated vaccine.
Experts are recommending that individuals who fall into this category should consider getting a new vaccination to bolster their protection against measles. This is especially important for people who work in schools, as they are often exposed to illnesses and congregate in group settings, making them more vulnerable to diseases like measles.
The Texas outbreak has already grown to over 120 cases, with one unvaccinated child tragically losing their life. Nearly all of the confirmed cases have been among unvaccinated individuals, primarily school-aged children. Measles is highly contagious, with about 90 percent of unvaccinated individuals who are exposed to the disease contracting it.
The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health recommends that individuals who are unsure of their vaccination status or believe they received the less effective vaccine review their records to determine if they need a booster shot. The measles vaccine, which is included in a vaccine that also protects against mumps and rubella, is about 97 percent effective when both doses are administered.
In Gaines County, the epicenter of the West Texas outbreak, there is a high rate of exemptions from school vaccine requirements. For the 2023-24 school year, nearly 18 percent of kindergarteners in Gaines County had a conscientious exemption, compared to less than 4 percent statewide. Nationally, vaccination coverage among kindergarteners decreased in the 2023-24 school year, while exemptions from one or more vaccines increased.
To achieve herd immunity, the CDC recommends a vaccination rate of about 95 percent. It is crucial for individuals to stay updated on their vaccinations and follow public health recommendations to protect themselves and others from preventable diseases like measles.
