Measles Vaccine Concerns: Risks for Young Adults and Hospital Visits

Measles vaccine

Hello, doctor.
Recently, the measles outbreak has caused public panic, and young adults in their 20s have been identified as a high-risk group.
However, the Ministry of Health and Welfare has urged that vaccines be prioritized for frontline healthcare workers and those in need, which may mean that vaccination for others could be temporarily delayed.
If someone without antibodies visits a hospital while only wearing a standard medical mask, what is the likelihood of contracting the virus? Should they avoid visiting the hospital for non-emergency situations for the time being? Thank you for your response.

W, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/04/26

Dr. Liao Zhongxin reply Internal Medicine

Dear readers,
In response to the sudden increase in demand for the self-paid MMR vaccine, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has urged prioritization of vaccination for high-risk groups (CDC Circular No.
351, April 24, 2018).

1.
Due to recent public concern regarding the measles outbreak, there has been a surge in demand for the self-paid MMR vaccine.
After discussions with experts from the Infectious Disease Control Advisory Committee's Vaccination Group, it is recommended that individuals at higher risk of infection or transmission be prioritized for vaccination.
Currently, the highest priority is given to "medical personnel in emergency departments of medical centers in Taipei City, New Taipei City, and Taoyuan City born in 1981 or later," as well as "crew members at Taoyuan International Airport." This prioritization aims to protect patients requiring care and crew members who frequently interact with domestic and international travelers, thereby preventing further infections.
Those individuals who have tested positive for measles antibodies do not need to receive the vaccine again.
2.
Given that the completion rate for the second dose of the MMR vaccine in our country exceeds 97%, and in comparison to Japan, the incidence of measles among contacts is very low, it indicates that the overall immunity against measles in our population is good, and a large-scale outbreak is unlikely.
In the current situation of limited vaccine resources, to maximize the effectiveness of disease prevention, the vaccine will temporarily be prioritized for the aforementioned high-risk groups.
Future adjustments will be made based on vaccine supply conditions.
We kindly ask for your cooperation in explaining this to the public and educating them on maintaining respiratory hygiene, cough etiquette, and hand hygiene to collectively prevent infections such as measles.
3.
From the above, it can be inferred that individuals born before 1981 (i.e., those aged 37 and older) generally have sufficient immunity.
In contrast, those born after 1981 (i.e., those aged 36 and younger) may have relatively insufficient immunity.
It is recommended that individuals traveling to outbreak areas receive the vaccine.

4.
Currently, there are limited vaccines available domestically.
Individuals in high-risk groups (such as pregnant women and those with immune deficiencies) should avoid traveling to endemic areas, such as Okinawa, Japan, and the Philippines.
Thank you!

Reply Date: 2018/04/26

More Info

The recent measles outbreak has understandably raised concerns, especially among young adults who are now considered a high-risk group. The situation is compounded by the public health directive prioritizing vaccination for frontline healthcare workers and those in urgent need, which may delay vaccination for others, including young adults.
To address your concerns, it is important to understand the nature of measles transmission and the effectiveness of preventive measures. Measles is highly contagious and can be transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain airborne for up to two hours in a room after the infected person has left, making it particularly easy to contract in crowded or enclosed spaces, such as hospitals.

If you do not have measles antibodies—either from previous infection or vaccination—visiting a hospital poses a risk, especially if you are in close proximity to individuals who may be infected. Wearing a standard medical mask can provide some level of protection, but it is not foolproof. Masks primarily help to reduce the spread of respiratory droplets from the wearer, but they do not completely eliminate the risk of inhaling airborne viruses. Therefore, if you are not in need of urgent medical care, it may be wise to postpone non-essential visits to healthcare facilities until the outbreak is under control or until you can receive the vaccine.

In terms of vaccination, the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that individuals born after 1957 receive at least one dose of the MMR vaccine, with a second dose for those who are at higher risk or who may be traveling to areas with outbreaks. Given the current situation, if you are eligible for vaccination, it would be prudent to get vaccinated as soon as possible, even if it means waiting a bit longer for the vaccine to become available to you.

Additionally, maintaining good respiratory hygiene is crucial. This includes frequent handwashing, using hand sanitizer, and avoiding close contact with individuals who are sick. If you must visit a healthcare facility, try to go during off-peak hours to minimize exposure to potential infections.

In summary, while the risk of contracting measles in a hospital setting is heightened for those without immunity, taking precautions such as wearing a mask and practicing good hygiene can help mitigate that risk. If possible, consider delaying non-urgent visits to healthcare facilities until you have received the vaccine or the outbreak has subsided. Your health and safety should always come first, and staying informed about vaccination availability and public health recommendations is key to protecting yourself during this outbreak.

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