No measles cases reported yet in Eagle County, but officials recommend vaccines for most
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There have been few cases of measles reported so far in Colorado, and none in Eagle County.
Still, measles is highly contagious, and symptoms can take between seven and 21 days to develop. The good news is that public health officials say the measles vaccine is 97% effective. That’s good, because according to Caitlyn Ngam, the Infection Preventionist at Vail Health, there’s no specific anti-viral treatment for measles. In an email, Ngam wrote, “Medical care is supportive, and to help relieve symptoms and address complications, such as bacterial infections.”
Those symptoms include high fever, a cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. A rash is likely to appear three to five days after symptoms begin.
With that in mind, here are several answers about who should get vaccinated or receive a booster shot.
The boosters are particularly applicable to older people.
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Responding to a question about those who received their childhood vaccinations in the 1960s, Rebecca Larson, Eagle County Deputy Public Health Director, wrote in an email that “it depends” whether older residents should receive a booster.
“Adults vaccinated before 1968 received a less effective measles vaccine during childhood,” she wrote. The recommendation is that those people receive at least one dose of the current MMR — Measles, Mumps and Rubella — vaccine to increase their protection. That vaccine is available through your doctor, public health or local pharmacies. Most insurance plans cover the cost of those vaccines.
The county public health department also recommends vaccines for:
• Infants age six to 11 months who are traveling internationally or to outbreak areas. One early dose is recommended.
• Children should receive their first dose at 12 to 15 months, with a second dose at between four to six years.
People considered immune are:
• Those with written proof of being up to date on recommended MMR vaccinations.
• Those born before 1957.
• Those with lab evidence of immunity or previous infection.
