Busting the Measles Vaccine Myths: The Importance of Measles Vaccination Amid Recent Outbreaks

The recent measles outbreaks in Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Texas, have raised alarms among health officials. The resurgence of this highly contagious disease is largely attributed to vaccine hesitancy, which has led to more children being unvaccinated against measles. High vaccination rates are essential for achieving herd immunity, protecting those who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants and individuals with certain medical conditions. However, myths and misconceptions about the measles vaccine largely contribute to hesitancy.

Vaccine hesitancy is not a personal matter — it affects the community. Addressing these myths with the facts is necessary to encourage vaccination and prevent further outbreaks.

Myths and Misconceptions

There are several myths and misconceptions about the measles vaccine that contribute to people being hesitant to have the vaccine or give it to their children. Addressing these myths with the facts is crucial in encouraging vaccination.

Myth 1: The MMR vaccine causes autism.

This myth started from a 1998 study by Andrew Wakefield that claimed the MMR vaccine was linked to autism. The study was later proven wrong and taken back because of serious mistakes, hidden money interests, and ethical problems.

In 2019 a study called, The MMR Vaccine and Autism: An Evidence-Based Review was published. The study was conducted by researchers from various institutions and involved analyzing data from multiple large-scale epidemiological studies, which included over 1.2 million children. The studies were conducted in different locations, including the United States and Europe.

Researchers used rigorous methods to ensure accurate results, such as regression analysis to control for factors like birth weight and maternal age.

The study looked at data from over 1.2 million children across several large studies. Researchers compared children who got the MMR vaccine at different ages with those who didn't get the vaccine. They used statistical methods to account for factors like birth weight and mother's age. The results showed no link between the MMR vaccine and autism.

Another 2019 study in Denmark of over 650,000 children born between 1999 and 2010 in showed no connection between the MMR vaccine and autism.

These thorough methods confirmed that the MMR vaccine is safe and doesn't cause autism. Despite this strong evidence, some parents still worry and choose not to vaccinate, leading to outbreaks of diseases like measles. The researchers stressed the importance of vaccines in preventing serious illnesses.

Myth 2: The MMR vaccine contains harmful ingredients.

Some people worry about ingredients in vaccines like thimerosal, aluminum, and formaldehyde. However, these substances are in such small amounts that they are safe. Thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative, is not used in the MMR vaccine. Aluminum helps boost the immune response, and the amount in vaccines is less than what we encounter daily. Formaldehyde is used to inactivate viruses and detoxify bacterial toxins, and the amount in vaccines is much lower than what is naturally found in our bodies.

Myth 3: Natural immunity is better than vaccine-acquired immunity.

While natural infection can lead to immunity, it comes with much higher risks than vaccination. Measles can cause severe complications like pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death. The MMR vaccine provides immunity without these serious health risks.

Myth 4: The MMR vaccine is not necessary because measles is no longer common.

Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, but it remains common in many parts of the world. Travelers can bring measles into the U.S., where it can spread quickly among unvaccinated individuals. Recent outbreaks in the U.S. have been linked to unvaccinated communities, showing the importance of keeping vaccination rates high.

Myth 5: The MMR vaccine can cause measles.

The MMR vaccine has weak viruses that can't make you sick. It helps your body learn to fight the virus and become immune. Sometimes, people might get a mild rash or fever after the shot, but it's not the same as having measles.

Myth 6: The MMR vaccine isn’t tested properly.

Vaccines undergo rigorous testing and continuous monitoring by independent experts to ensure their safety and effectiveness. These experts provide transparent information and guidelines based on extensive research and data. It's important to get information from credible sources and discuss any concerns with a healthcare provider.

Myth 7: The MMR vaccine has side-effects.

Like all vaccines and medications, the MMR vaccine has some mild and rare side effects. However, the risks associated with measles are far more severe and can lead to serious complications or even death.

MMR Vaccine Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Sore arm from the shot
• Fever
• Mild rash
• Temporary pain and stiffness in the joints (mostly in teenage or adult women)
• Swelling in the cheeks or neck

Rare Side Effects:

• Temporary low platelet count (can cause a bleeding disorder that usually goes away without treatment)
• Febrile seizures (rare and not associated with long-term effects)
• Severe allergic reactions (very rare, symptoms include hives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, fast heartbeat, dizziness, and weakness)[1]

Measles Side Effects

Common Symptoms:

• High fever (may spike to more than 104°F)
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes

Complications:

• Ear infections (about 1 in 10 children)
• Diarrhea (less than 1 in 10 people)
• Pneumonia (about 1 in 20 children, most common cause of death from measles in young children)
• Encephalitis (about 1 in 1,000 children, can lead to convulsions, deafness, or intellectual disability)
• Death (nearly 1 to 3 of every 1,000 children infected)

The MMR vaccine is much safer than getting measles, which can lead to severe complications and even death. Vaccination is crucial for preventing these serious diseases.

Safety and Efficacy

The MMR vaccine is both safe and effective. Extensive research and monitoring have shown that serious side effects are extremely rare. Common side effects, such as mild fever or rash, are temporary and far outweighed by the benefits of vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health organizations continue to endorse the MMR vaccine as a critical tool in preventing measles outbreaks.

For More Information

In Oklahoma, the statewide MMR vaccination rate for kindergarteners is about 87%, but only 17 counties exceed the 92% threshold needed for herd immunity. Nationally, around 90.8% of children are vaccinated against measles by 24 months, but overall coverage among kindergarteners is below the 95% target, with Oklahoma at 88.5%. Vaccination rates vary significantly by county, with some as low as 75%.

For general vaccination information in Oklahoma. You can learn more at: Oklahoma State Department of Health.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) provides regular updates on measles cases and outbreaks on their website. This can help residents stay informed about the current situation. You can learn more at Oklahoma.gov/health/measles.

The OSDH posts potential public exposure notices on their website. This information is crucial for individuals who may have been in contact with infected persons. You can learn more at Oklahoma.gov/health/measles.

The OSDH conducts a Kindergarten Survey to provide information on vaccination rates. This data can give residents an idea of the vaccination coverage in their community.

Vaccination is the Best Prevention

Measles is still a big health problem, especially in places with low vaccination rates. The World Health Organization (WHO) says measles vaccines have saved millions of lives. However, outbreaks still happen, showing the need for ongoing vaccination. In 2023, about 107,500 people died from measles, mostly in countries with low vaccination coverage.

Staying informed about the measles vaccine and understanding its benefits is essential for protecting public health. By consulting with healthcare providers and ensuring vaccinations are up to date, we can work together to prevent measles outbreaks and safeguard our communities.