Measles vaccine for adults

Measles belongs to a group of respiratory infections caused by a virus. Although this infection is considered to be “childish”, this does not mean at all that it cannot be ill in adulthood. Moreover, measles infection in adults is often extremely severe, and therefore, in order to create a strong protective immunity, measles vaccinations for adults are recommended. They are carried out as planned, according to the National calendar, and urgently, with a high risk of contact with infected people.

If a person did not have measles in childhood, then he does not have immunity to this disease that is stable against infectious immunity. Therefore, contact with a dangerous virus can threaten the development of a serious illness. For this purpose, not only children, but also adults are vaccinated against measles. They are vaccinated against measles according to the plan approved in the National Vaccination Calendar, or according to emergency indications, if there are outbreaks of infection, and it is important to protect citizens who have not been ill before from a dangerous infection. Often at the same time as measles, people are vaccinated against rubella and mumps, two more viral infections that can be dangerous for both children and adults.

What is measles

The infection is caused by a special virus – measles. It belongs to the group of respiratory and highly contagious. More often and more severely than others, young children and people from 35 to 40 years old are sick with measles. Measles is most dangerous for expectant mothers and patients with chronic pathologies. These categories are predictably severe and complicated course of the disease, including the development of bronchitis, otitis media, pneumonia and even measles encephalitis.

This infection is highly contagious, the probability of infection during contact with the patient reaches almost 100%. In recent years, doctors have noted a steady rise in the incidence of measles, so it is important to vaccinate not only children, but also adults.

Which adults should be vaccinated against measles and when?

Doctors note that adults get measles somewhat less often than children, but they endure the infection quite hard, often with complications. Therefore, within the framework of the National Calendar for adults, measles vaccinations are approved, but the difference with children lies in the timing of vaccination and the schemes used.

According to this document, all citizens of the Russian Federation up to the age of 35 are entitled to a free measles vaccination. But it is done under one condition – earlier (in adulthood) vaccination was not carried out and the person did not have measles during childhood.

A free measles vaccination is also shown in situations where a patient of any age has been in contact with a person infected with measles (or the risk of such contact is very high), but he himself has not previously been ill and has not been vaccinated. This will be an immunization of two vaccinations three months apart.

On average, protection from one vaccination is enough for a period of 10-12 years, there is no age limit for the introduction of measles vaccine, but after 35 years it will already be voluntary, which means it is not paid from the CHI fund and is done in private medical centers. If there is a threat of a measles outbreak in the regions, people over the age of 35 will also be vaccinated free of charge. Revaccinate adults against measles every 10 years.

The measles vaccine is especially recommended for certain population groups:

To all women who have not previously had measles and are planning a baby soon. Measles during pregnancy is very dangerous, so you should protect yourself in advance. But it is important that at least 3 months pass from the moment of vaccination to conception.

People who travel a lot and visit countries where measles is common. Today Italy, Turkey, Spain, Thailand, Singapore and some other countries are dangerous. Vaccination should be done at least 1 – 3 months before departure.

All people born in 1957, if they have not had measles or have been vaccinated against it for a long time (more than 10 years ago). They should get at least one dose of the vaccine.

People from 15 to 35 years old who have never received vaccinations before and have not had measles, if this is a risk group for infection (doctors, military, students, teachers).

If a person has been in contact with a measles patient within 3 days, an emergency vaccination can be carried out. This will help protect against infection, but then you need to repeat the injection after 3 months.

In connection with the increase in the incidence of measles among adults, the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation is considering the possibility of extending the vaccination schedule in the vaccination calendar up to 55 years.

What are the measles vaccines for adults?

For vaccination against measles, they are used as monovaccines (they contain only an anti-measles component) and combined agents (they contain components from several diseases at once). Measles is vaccinated with live vaccines (the viruses in them are weakened and safe). Such a vaccine cannot cause infection, but it starts the immune system to form a strong immunity to the disease. Several registered vaccines are used in the Russian Federation.

Dry measles vaccine (production of the Russian Federation). Double vaccine against measles and mumps (production of the Russian Federation). It is used to vaccinate adults.

Priorix (a trivaccine produced in Belgium), it protects against three infections at once – measles, mumps and rubella.

Ruwax (single drug produced in France) protects against measles for a long time.

MMR II (trivaccine made in the USA). Suitable for both emergency vaccinations and routine vaccinations.

The difference between vaccines lies in the technique of their production. Imported vaccines are grown on chicken eggs, so they cannot be used by people who are allergic to chicken egg proteins. Our vaccines are grown on quail eggs and are safe for allergy sufferers.

All vaccines are effective, after the second injection, up to 98% of people develop immunity, and it can last up to 20-25 years.

Where can I get the measles vaccine for adults?

According to the vaccination schedule, people under 35 years of age can be routinely vaccinated in a regular clinic, under the CHI policy. Similarly, emergency vaccination is carried out during outbreaks of measles in certain regions.

If you need a vaccination after age 35 or if you need it, it is usually carried out for a fee at vaccination centers. Also, when choosing a vaccine, if you need a specific one, vaccination will be paid.

Reviews of doctors about the measles vaccine for adults

Therapist, endoscopist, head of the organizational and methodological office Lidia Golubenko:

– Although measles vaccinations are live (with weakened viruses), they are completely safe for humans and create reliable immunity against a dangerous infection. It is important to vaccinate against measles regularly, according to the calendar, since today in Russia there is an increase in the incidence of this disease. And to a large extent this is due to the fact that many people neglect vaccinations, there are more and more people susceptible to measles who get sick and spread the infection among others. Measles is insidious, it can be extremely difficult, and a skin rash is not the most serious problem. Complications such as pneumonia and measles encephalitis are much more dangerous.

Doctor-neurologist of the highest category Evgeny Mosin:

One of the most severe and dangerous complications of measles is encephalitis. It is difficult to treat, as there are no specific antiviral drugs specifically directed against the measles virus. In addition to this complication, general asthenia, autonomic reactions of the nervous system, complications from the respiratory organs are also possible. For people with chronic diseases, the elderly, such complications can be fatal. Therefore, it is worth taking care of prevention, especially in today’s difficult time.

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