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Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Did you get the measles vaccine in the past? Do you need another shot? How to check
There's a growing measles outbreak in the country and public health experts say vaccination is the best way to reduce the spread. Measles is a highly contagious disease that can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and brain swelling. So far, more than 300 measles cases have been reported in the U.S. within the first few months of 2025, more than the confirmed cases reported in all of 2024, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The good news: The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, or MMR, is just what the doctor ordered. One MMR dose is considered to be 93% effective against measles, with a second dose 97% effective, the CDC says. And many people are already vaccinated. That's because MMR is one of the mandatory vaccines needed for immigration into the U.S. and to become a resident. It's also one of the required vaccines kids need to attend K-12 schools in Florida and other states. Students can avoid getting the shot for medical and religious reasons. MORE: Are you at risk for measles? Miami sees case amid U.S. outbreak. What to know in Florida The CDC says it's rare for people who are vaccinated against measles to get sick. Vaccination also helps protect those who can't get the shot, including kids who are too young and people who are pregnant or have a weaker immune system due to an existing medical condition or medical treatment, said Dr. Marcos Mestre, chief medical officer for Nicklaus Children's Hospital near South Miami. People born before 1957 also lived through several years of measles epidemics, which means there's a good chance they had measles at some point, public health experts say. If you've previously had measles, you should have immunity, too. What if you're not sure whether you've had the contagious disease before or if you received the MMR vaccine while growing up? Here's what to know: The U.S. has confirmed at least 301 cases of measles across 15 states, with most of the cases reported in Texas, as of the CDC's March 13 update. Florida has confirmed one case of the disease in a Miami-Dade County teen. MORE: Why fewer kids are getting vaccinated in Florida — and how that could affect outbreaks Besides asking your parents if they've kept copies of your immunization records, you can check your immunization history in Florida in several ways: ▪ Talk with your current and former doctors. They will likely have information on your immunization history in their records. But physicians aren't required to keep your records forever. Under Florida law, physicians must maintain medical records for at least five years from the last patient contact. Your healthcare provider will also likely have access to Florida SHOTS, a statewide and centralized system that tracks patient vaccination information. The system records immunization information for patients who get vaccinated at county health departments and from private providers who use the system. Pharmacists at retail pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens will likely have access to this system, too. But note that Florida is an 'opt-out-state,' which means parents can choose to make their child's records inaccessible in the system. ▪ If you attended a school in Florida, including a college or university, you can ask for your immunization records. However, schools aren't required to keep this information forever, so your school may or may not have copies of your records. ▪ If you can't find your records, contact your county's local health department. Another option if you're at least 18 is to fill out an online form to request your vaccination records directly from Florida SHOTS. You can only use this form to request your own personal records, not for another family member. You can't use this form to request the vaccination history of minors. And remember, just because you fill out the form doesn't guarantee the state will find your records in the system. What if none of these options work? You could talk with your doctor about scheduling a blood test to check for antibodies. But there's another, cheaper option that may be easier: Just get the MMR vaccine, according to Dr. Mary Jo Trepka, an epidemiologist at Florida International University in Miami-Dade County; Dr. Jill Roberts, an associate professor at the University of South Florida's College of Public Health in Tampa; and Mestre, the Nicklaus Children's doctor. All three public health experts say it's safe to get the MMR vaccine if you're not sure whether you've previously been vaccinated or have had the disease. 'There's really no harm to getting vaccinated again with the measles vaccine even if you've had it before,' Trepka told the Miami Herald last year when Florida reported a measles outbreak at a Broward elementary school. The MMR vaccine isn't like annual flu or COVID shots. It's a two-dose vaccine meant to give protection for life. So, once you complete the two-dose series, you likely won't need another shot, according to McClatchy News. 'It's a live vaccine, meaning that it contains a small, weakened dose of the virus,' according to a Yale Medicine blog post. 'This trains a healthy immune system to recognize the measles, mumps, or rubella viruses if one tries to invade the body, and attack it, preventing an infection from developing.' What if you got the measles, mumps, rubella and varicella vaccine, or MMRV? Don't worry. The CDC says that vaccine is also effective in giving life-long protections against measles. Because the vaccines are highly effective in preventing infection, public health experts say it's rare for vaccinated people to get sick and spread the disease. If they do get sick, it's usually a mild infection, according to the CDC. 'Some vaccinated people may still get measles, mumps or rubella if they are exposed to the viruses,' the CDC says. 'It could be that their immune system didn't respond as well as they should have to the vaccine; their immune system's ability to fight the infection decreased over time; or they have prolonged, close contact with someone who has the virus.' Similarly, those who previously had a measles infection generally develop immunity against the disease and shouldn't get sick again, public health experts say. Speak with your doctor if you have questions.
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Did you get the measles vaccine in the past? Do you need another shot? How to check
There's a growing measles outbreak in the country and public health experts say vaccination is the best way to reduce the spread. Measles is a highly contagious disease that can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and brain swelling. So far, more than 300 measles cases have been reported in the U.S. within the first few months of 2025, more than the confirmed cases reported in all of 2024, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The good news: The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, or MMR, is just what the doctor ordered. One MMR dose is considered to be 93% effective against measles, with a second dose 97% effective, the CDC says. And many people are already vaccinated. That's because MMR is one of the mandatory vaccines needed for immigration into the U.S. and to become a resident. It's also one of the required vaccines kids need to attend K-12 schools in Florida and other states. Students can avoid getting the shot for medical and religious reasons. MORE: Are you at risk for measles? Miami sees case amid U.S. outbreak. What to know in Florida The CDC says it's rare for people who are vaccinated against measles to get sick. Vaccination also helps protect those who can't get the shot, including kids who are too young and people who are pregnant or have a weaker immune system due to an existing medical condition or medical treatment, said Dr. Marcos Mestre, chief medical officer for Nicklaus Children's Hospital near South Miami. People born before 1957 also lived through several years of measles epidemics, which means there's a good chance they had measles at some point, public health experts say. If you've previously had measles, you should have immunity, too. What if you're not sure whether you've had the contagious disease before or if you received the MMR vaccine while growing up? Here's what to know: The U.S. has confirmed at least 301 cases of measles across 15 states, with most of the cases reported in Texas, as of the CDC's March 13 update. Florida has confirmed one case of the disease in a Miami-Dade County teen. MORE: Why fewer kids are getting vaccinated in Florida — and how that could affect outbreaks Besides asking your parents if they've kept copies of your immunization records, you can check your immunization history in Florida in several ways: ▪ Talk with your current and former doctors. They will likely have information on your immunization history in their records. But physicians aren't required to keep your records forever. Under Florida law, physicians must maintain medical records for at least five years from the last patient contact. Your healthcare provider will also likely have access to Florida SHOTS, a statewide and centralized system that tracks patient vaccination information. The system records immunization information for patients who get vaccinated at county health departments and from private providers who use the system. Pharmacists at retail pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens will likely have access to this system, too. But note that Florida is an 'opt-out-state,' which means parents can choose to make their child's records inaccessible in the system. ▪ If you attended a school in Florida, including a college or university, you can ask for your immunization records. However, schools aren't required to keep this information forever, so your school may or may not have copies of your records. ▪ If you can't find your records, contact your county's local health department. Another option if you're at least 18 is to fill out an online form to request your vaccination records directly from Florida SHOTS. You can only use this form to request your own personal records, not for another family member. You can't use this form to request the vaccination history of minors. And remember, just because you fill out the form doesn't guarantee the state will find your records in the system. What if none of these options work? You could talk with your doctor about scheduling a blood test to check for antibodies. But there's another, cheaper option that may be easier: Just get the MMR vaccine, according to Dr. Mary Jo Trepka, an epidemiologist at Florida International University in Miami-Dade County; Dr. Jill Roberts, an associate professor at the University of South Florida's College of Public Health in Tampa; and Mestre, the Nicklaus Children's doctor. All three public health experts say it's safe to get the MMR vaccine if you're not sure whether you've previously been vaccinated or have had the disease. 'There's really no harm to getting vaccinated again with the measles vaccine even if you've had it before,' Trepka told the Miami Herald last year when Florida reported a measles outbreak at a Broward elementary school. The MMR vaccine isn't like annual flu or COVID shots. It's a two-dose vaccine meant to give protection for life. So, once you complete the two-dose series, you likely won't need another shot, according to McClatchy News. 'It's a live vaccine, meaning that it contains a small, weakened dose of the virus,' according to a Yale Medicine blog post. 'This trains a healthy immune system to recognize the measles, mumps, or rubella viruses if one tries to invade the body, and attack it, preventing an infection from developing.' What if you got the measles, mumps, rubella and varicella vaccine, or MMRV? Don't worry. The CDC says that vaccine is also effective in giving life-long protections against measles. Because the vaccines are highly effective in preventing infection, public health experts say it's rare for vaccinated people to get sick and spread the disease. If they do get sick, it's usually a mild infection, according to the CDC. 'Some vaccinated people may still get measles, mumps or rubella if they are exposed to the viruses,' the CDC says. 'It could be that their immune system didn't respond as well as they should have to the vaccine; their immune system's ability to fight the infection decreased over time; or they have prolonged, close contact with someone who has the virus.' Similarly, those who previously had a measles infection generally develop immunity against the disease and shouldn't get sick again, public health experts say. Speak with your doctor if you have questions.
Miami Herald
15-03-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
Did you get the measles vaccine in the past? Do you need another shot? How to check
There's a growing measles outbreak in the country and public health experts say vaccination is the best way to reduce the spread. Measles is a highly contagious disease that can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and brain swelling. So far, more than 300 measles cases have been reported in the U.S. within the first few months of 2025, more than the confirmed cases reported in all of 2024, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The good news: The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, or MMR, is just what the doctor ordered. One MMR dose is considered to be 93% effective against measles, with a second dose 97% effective, the CDC says. And many people are already vaccinated. That's because MMR is one of the mandatory vaccines needed for immigration into the U.S. and to become a resident. It's also one of the required vaccines kids need to attend K-12 schools in Florida and other states. Students can avoid getting the shot for medical and religious reasons. MORE: Are you at risk for measles? Miami sees case amid U.S. outbreak. What to know in Florida The CDC says it's rare for people who are vaccinated against measles to get sick. Vaccination also helps protect those who can't get the shot, including kids who are too young and people who are pregnant or have a weaker immune system due to an existing medical condition or medical treatment, said Dr. Marcos Mestre, chief medical officer for Nicklaus Children's Hospital near South Miami. People born before 1957 also lived through several years of measles epidemics, which means there's a good chance they had measles at some point, public health experts say. If you've previously had measles, you should have immunity, too. What if you're not sure whether you've had the contagious disease before or if you received the MMR vaccine while growing up? Here's what to know: Are there any measles cases in Florida? The U.S. has confirmed at least 301 cases of measles across 15 states, with most of the cases reported in Texas, as of the CDC's March 13 update. Florida has confirmed one case of the disease in a Miami-Dade County teen. How to check your vaccination records in Florida MORE: Why fewer kids are getting vaccinated in Florida — and how that could affect outbreaks Besides asking your parents if they've kept copies of your immunization records, you can check your immunization history in Florida in several ways: ▪ Talk with your current and former doctors. They will likely have information on your immunization history in their records. But physicians aren't required to keep your records forever. Under Florida law, physicians must maintain medical records for at least five years from the last patient contact. Your healthcare provider will also likely have access to Florida SHOTS, a statewide and centralized system that tracks patient vaccination information. The system records immunization information for patients who get vaccinated at county health departments and from private providers who use the system. Pharmacists at retail pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens will likely have access to this system, too. But note that Florida is an 'opt-out-state,' which means parents can choose to make their child's records inaccessible in the system. ▪ If you attended a school in Florida, including a college or university, you can ask for your immunization records. However, schools aren't required to keep this information forever, so your school may or may not have copies of your records. ▪ If you can't find your records, contact your county's local health department. Another option if you're at least 18 is to fill out an online form to request your vaccination records directly from Florida SHOTS. You can only use this form to request your own personal records, not for another family member. You can't use this form to request the vaccination history of minors. And remember, just because you fill out the form doesn't guarantee the state will find your records in the system. What if none of these options work? You could talk with your doctor about scheduling a blood test to check for antibodies. But there's another, cheaper option that may be easier: Just get the MMR vaccine, according to Dr. Mary Jo Trepka, an epidemiologist at Florida International University in Miami-Dade County; Dr. Jill Roberts, an associate professor at the University of South Florida's College of Public Health in Tampa; and Mestre, the Nicklaus Children's doctor. All three public health experts say it's safe to get the MMR vaccine if you're not sure whether you've previously been vaccinated or have had the disease. 'There's really no harm to getting vaccinated again with the measles vaccine even if you've had it before,' Trepka told the Miami Herald last year when Florida reported a measles outbreak at a Broward elementary school. If you got the MMR shot or measles as a child, do you need a booster? The MMR vaccine isn't like annual flu or COVID shots. It's a two-dose vaccine meant to give protection for life. So, once you complete the two-dose series, you likely won't need another shot, according to McClatchy News. 'It's a live vaccine, meaning that it contains a small, weakened dose of the virus,' according to a Yale Medicine blog post. 'This trains a healthy immune system to recognize the measles, mumps, or rubella viruses if one tries to invade the body, and attack it, preventing an infection from developing.' What if you got the measles, mumps, rubella and varicella vaccine, or MMRV? Don't worry. The CDC says that vaccine is also effective in giving life-long protections against measles. Because the vaccines are highly effective in preventing infection, public health experts say it's rare for vaccinated people to get sick and spread the disease. If they do get sick, it's usually a mild infection, according to the CDC. 'Some vaccinated people may still get measles, mumps or rubella if they are exposed to the viruses,' the CDC says. 'It could be that their immune system didn't respond as well as they should have to the vaccine; their immune system's ability to fight the infection decreased over time; or they have prolonged, close contact with someone who has the virus.' Similarly, those who previously had a measles infection generally develop immunity against the disease and shouldn't get sick again, public health experts say. Speak with your doctor if you have questions.
Miami Herald
21-02-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
The flu is going around Miami. Is it too late to get a vaccine? What the experts say
Are you thinking about getting the flu vaccine? The U.S. is seeing its worst flu season in 15 years and it seems like everyone is getting sick. It's usually recommended that people get vaccinated between September and October ahead of the colder winter months. But don't worry — doctors and health experts say it's not too late to get the shot. 'Given the level of flu activity right now, I believe we're going to have at least a couple more months when it's going to be around, and that means that you will absolutely have a benefit if you decide to get vaccinated today,' said Mary Jo Trepka, an infectious disease epidemiologist at Florida International University. The U.S. flu season typically runs from October to May, but you'll need to roll up your sleeve quickly. It generally takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to develop some protection against the flu virus. Here's what else to know: Is the flu vaccine effective against the influenza strain in Florida? The good news is that influenza A — the strain predominantly circulating in Miami-Dade County and the rest of Florida — is one of three targeted by the 2024-2025 flu vaccine. The shot is trivalent, which means it was designed to help protect against three flu strains — influenza A(H1N1), influenza A(H3N2) and influenza B/Victoria virus. 'The flu vaccine doesn't always protect you from getting an infection but if you do get the infection it does assist in preventing the severity of that infection,' said Dr. Marcos Mestre, chief medical officer for Nicklaus Children's Hospital near South Miami. READ MORE: 'Everybody is getting sick.' Flu is on the rise in Florida — and here's what doctors say Who should consider getting the flu vaccine? The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get the single-shot flu vaccine annually, especially those who are considered to be higher risk for severe complications. This includes adults 65 and older, children younger than 2, and people who are pregnant, are immunocompromised or have certain health conditions including asthma, heart disease and chronic lung disease. Where can you get the flu vaccine? You can find flu vaccines at CVS, Walgreens, Navarro Discount Pharmacies, CVS y Mas, Costco, and at some doctor offices and community health centers. Some grocery and retail stores with pharmacies usually have the shots available, including Publix, Target stores with CVS pharmacies inside, and Walmart. While you can schedule an appointment online, you can also just show up and see if they have a shot in stock. How much do flu vaccines cost? Flu vaccines are covered by most private health insurance plans and are also covered by Medicare and Medicaid. Make sure you get vaccinated at an in-network provider. Check your insurance for more information. For people without insurance, the cost of a flu vaccine will vary and can usually cost from $20 to $120, according to GoodRX. At CVS, for example, flu shots cost $68.99-$115.99. At Walgreens, the vaccine costs $58.99, with the flu vaccine for people 65 and older priced at $108.99. Costco has flu vaccines for $19.99. The shot for seniors 65 and older costs $59.99. People without insurance can look to local health departments and health centers to see if they offer free or low-cost vaccinations. Sometimes churches, schools and other community hubs host free vaccination events. Your doctor might know of places you can go, too. READ NEXT: Do you need medical care? A community health center could be an option. How to find one
