As an outbreak of the mumps continues to spread in the Midwest and cases of measles resurface in Mexico, physicians at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston are emphasizing the importance of up-to-date immunizations for the whole family.

“Children, of course, need to adhere to the recommended childhood and adolescent immunization schedule, but adults need to be vigilant, too,” says Luis Ostrosky-Zeichner, MD, an infectious disease specialist and medical director of epidemiology for the Memorial Hermann Healthcare System.

Vaccines may not provide lifelong immunity, and some are designed to be given periodically or in multiple doses for maximum protection, Ostrosky says.

“We have become victims of our own success with vaccinations,” Ostrosky says. “We have extremely powerful and high-functioning vaccines and immunization campaigns, which result in a large percentage of kids being vaccinated.

“The problem is that immunizations that you get as a child wear off over time, resulting in large adult populations with no immunity. Booster shots are plentiful and advisable, but it’s not engrained in our culture to get booster shots as adults,” Ostrosky says. “We just don’t think to get them, give them or ask for them.”

Young adults at risk

Young adults appear to be particularly vulnerable to this resurgence of childhood diseases. Almost half of the patients who have contracted mumps in this recent epidemic are between the ages of 17 and 25. About one-third of the patients are college students.

Children of Baby Boomers—who are parents themselves—can face a double-whammy. “They were born too late to contract these diseases in childhood, since we were immunizing by the late 1950s. And now, just as their vaccine immunity is wearing off, their own children are around other kids and can bring home communicable diseases,” Ostrosky says.

The added twist is that many American physicians, especially those born after 1957, have never seen a case of mumps or measles.

Dr. Julie Gerberding, director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has reported that people in the age group who are getting sick may not have had the recommended two doses of inoculation and are not completely vaccinated, leaving them susceptible to the disease.

If you didn’t receive the Measles–Mumps–Rubella (MMR) vaccine as a child, now is the time, Ostrosky says. Or if you only received one of the two recommended doses, “talk to your doctor about it.”

Traveling?
Ask about boosters

Dr. Johnnie Frazier, associate professor of pediatrics, says the recent outbreaks underscore the importance of immunizations. Children should receive their first dose of the MMR vaccine at 12 months of age. Physicians usually administer the second dose between the ages of 4 and 6, before children start school.

So, what if your 3-year-old has only received the first dose and you are planning a trip to an area where there is an outbreak of measles, mumps or rubella? The child is most likely protected. However, before you pack your bags, Frazier says, contact the local health department in the city you will be visiting. (For international travel, contact a travel medicine clinic at least six weeks before you depart.)

“Find out what their recommendation is,” Frazier advises. “If they recommend that your child get the second dose before traveling, make sure they receive the second dose.” Regardless of the recent measles and mumps outbreaks, Frazier says, this is an opportune time to review your children’s immunization records. “If you are delinquent or behind schedule, go ahead and take care of it,” she says.

She reminds parents that most schools will not allow children to start classes until they have had all their required vaccinations, including MMR. “Don’t wait until the last minute,” Frazier says.

“Childhood vaccines are 85 percent to 98 percent effective, and only a few people do not immunologically respond to vaccines,” Frazier says.

In addition to vaccines, Ostrosky offers other advice for protecting against disease. “Wash your hands. Wash your hands. Wash your hands,” Ostrosky implores. “If there is one thing you can do to protect yourself and stay calm with all this news about different viruses, this is it.”

Ostrosky practices what he preaches and carries a bottle of alcohol hand sanitizer everywhere he goes. His wife carries one in her purse at all times, too. He calls the anti-bacterial gel a “powerful weapon” anyone can use against germs.

Avoid overly-crowed places during an outbreak, Ostrosky says. He also recommends minimizing your exposure to those who are sick.

“If your child is sick, take it seriously and reduce, as best you can, exposure of that child to other members, including siblings, in the family,” he says. “I know sometimes it seems impossible to segregate sick people from other family members, but we can minimize it. And we can wash hands, wash toys and keep personal belongings of the sick child separate.”

Whether you are a child or an adult, Ostrosky and Frazier agree, you should follow the recommended schedule for immunizations. If you don’t have all your immunizations or have concerns, consult with a physician.

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Last Updated: 5-05-2006