{"id":8914,"date":"2019-05-24T18:59:25","date_gmt":"2019-05-24T18:59:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.salushomecare.com\/san-fernando-valley\/?p=8914"},"modified":"2025-03-20T13:36:21","modified_gmt":"2025-03-20T13:36:21","slug":"is-a-senior-safe-from-measles","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.salushomecare.com\/san-fernando-valley\/blog\/is-a-senior-safe-from-measles\/","title":{"rendered":"Is a Senior Safe from Measles?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Since the start of 2019, the Center for Disease Control and\nPrevention has confirmed 880 cases of measles across 24 states. This is\ncertainly alarming information for many families. Children who are not up to\ndate on the MMR are most at risk, as are people with compromised immune\nsystems. But what about our vulnerable seniors? Are they at risk of contracting\nmeasles, and should they get the measles vaccination? As with most things\nmedically related, the answer can vary. Let\u2019s examine the facts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should a Senior Get the MMR Vaccination?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to the CDC<\/a>, people born before 1957 were likely exposed to measles as children. At that time, the disease was quite prevalent, vaccinations did not exist to protect people from exposure, and the rate of exposure was high. A person who was exposed to the measles likely has natural, lifetime immunity. As a result, the measles vaccination usually would not be necessary.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, are there occasions when a senior needs the measles vaccination? According to the CDC, there are. Here’s how that breaks down. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A senior born in another country, someone who was never exposed to measles or a person born in 1957 or later would, in most cases, be advised to receive at least one dose of the MMR – a vaccination that protects against measles, mumps and rubella. If a doctor is unsure, a simple blood test can determine the level of antibodies present in the bloodstream. The information from this test can help a doctor determine if a senior needs the MMR. If the vaccination is doctor recommended, this is a covered expense under Medicare and most insurance companies, so cost should not preclude a senior from getting vaccinated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Measles Prevention Tips for Family Caregivers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re a family caregiver, this topic may have you feeling a little confused. Should you ask about the measles vaccination, and what else can you do to protect your loved one from this dangerous disease? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most important thing to remember is that there is no reason to panic. There\u2019s a very good chance your loved one has natural immunity, and if they don\u2019t, a simple vaccination can help them to stay safe. Here are a few more tips that can help:<\/p>\n\n\n\n