GARCÍA BOTICARIA

ILLUSTRATION: Luis Parejo

Updated Sunday, February 11, 2024-02:24

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The World Health Organization (WHO) has already sounded the alarm because measles cases are increasing in Europe. Specifically, it has gone from 941 cases in 2022 to 42,200 in 2023. And rising.

What is the reason for the increase in cases?

The pandemic may have had a lot to do with it. According to the WHO, more than 1.8 million newborns in Europe were not vaccinated between 2020 and 2022. We know that

to avoid a resurgence of the virus

, at least 95% of children should be vaccinated and the bad news is that in In 2022 we have fallen below, at 92%. More specifically, in the United Kingdom, where things have gotten out of hand, coverage for children is 86%.

What can we do to stop this situation?

Vaccination is the only way to protect children from this disease. A disease that, perhaps because it is already rare in our era, is undervalued, but it is no joke. It is a very contagious disease, more so than Covid or the flu, which is also transmitted through the respiratory route, through sneezing and coughing, and which

can have serious complications.

When are children vaccinated?

The vaccine is administered within the vaccination schedule in

two doses

: the first after the first birthday and the second at 3-4 years of age, depending on the autonomous community. Important: the vaccine prevents the disease for the rest of life in more than 90% of children with just the first dose. With the second, it is possible to protect the majority of those who were not protected with the first.

I don't know if I had measles as a child, should I get vaccinated?

People who were born after 1978, who have not had the disease and who do not have a complete history of vaccination with both doses, are recommended to be vaccinated with two doses separated by at least four weeks. .

Why is it only recommended to be vaccinated for those born after 78?

Because it is assumed that people born before '78 have surely suffered from the disease since at that time measles rates were high (especially before the seventies, since at that time there was no vaccine). In fact, vaccination campaigns began with a monovalent vaccine, that is, directed only against measles, in 1978. And that is why the cut-off point is set there. Since 1981, the

MMR

vaccine began to be used

and it was in 1986 when very high immunization coverage was achieved.

Can you tell if you have had measles?

Yes, with tests you can know if there are antibodies against measles in our body. However, these tests are very expensive and since the vaccine is safe, the reality is that it is not worth doing them because there is no contraindication to getting vaccinated even if you have had the disease in childhood. If this were the case, the vaccine would serve as a reminder, as we do with Covid vaccines. Therefore, when in doubt, get vaccinated.

If we suspect that we have been with someone who is infected, what should we do?

People who have not had the disease and who are not vaccinated, but who have been exposed to a case of measles and have the fly behind the ear, it is highly recommended that they get vaccinated. They should do so

within 72 hours of exposure to the virus

, that is, within three days of seeing the sick person. This way you can either avoid the disease, or at least have a less severe time. This is important because measles is especially contagious so people who have been exposed and are not vaccinated should quickly go get vaccinated.

Are there any contraindications for the vaccine?

There are some cases in which vaccination against measles is

contraindicated

, such as during pregnancy, in immunosuppressed situations or if there have previously been allergic reactions to vaccines. When in doubt, always consult your doctor individually.