LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. – If you watched new episodes of “Scooby Doo” on Saturday morning, rebuilt Colonel Steve Austin or rocked a Big Wheel down the block, you may want to talk to your doctor about getting re-vaccinated for measles.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say some people born between 1963 and 1967 received a single-dose inactive or killed vaccine, which doesn’t provide the 97% lifelong protection that you get from the modern versions of the double-dose measles vaccine.
The warning comes at a time when a national outbreak is sweeping the nation.
More than 2,300 cases of measles have been reported nationwide — 142 in Pennsylvania, four cases in Berks County, three cases in Montgomery County and 14 cases in Chester County.
Of those, 62% of cases involve people over age 18.
“We have an epidemic on our hands. There’s absolutely no question about it,” said Dr. Jeffrey Jahre with St. Luke’s University Health Network.
Jahre says the outbreak has taken our population below herd immunity, or 95% of people immune from measles — one of the most highly contagious viral diseases.
He says if you were born between 1963 and 1967, check your shot records to see if you got the single dose.
Anyone who doesn’t have those records and wants to be protected can still do so.
“There isn’t any harm in getting that that additional shot. So, if I were you at this point in time, when there’s some doubt, I would just go ahead and get that second MMR,” Jahre said.
As with any health concern, patients are encouraged to talk to their doctors first to weigh the options.