Vaccination, the Only Guarantee Against Measles
Measles is on the rise. In Alaska, vaccination rates are “well below” the coverage needed to achieve community-wide immunity, according to Alex Huseman of the Department of Health and Social Services.The Alaska Department of Health reports a serious “resurgence” of measles worldwide, from which the United States is not safe. Alaska is one of the least protected states from this highly contagious disease, “which can be dangerous to infants and children”. According to the DOH, about 10 million people contract the disease each year “and about 110,000 dies from it.”
The current outbreak is due to infections “from international travelers, low vaccination rates among children following the COVID-19 pandemic and an anti-vaccination sentiment,” the DOH reports, “and about half of the cases were children under the age of five,” Alex Huseman, public information officer for the Alaska Department of Health, tells Sol de Medianoche. “One dose of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is 93% effective, and two doses are 97% effective. This is one of the most effective vaccines we have in medicine,” Huseman adds. However, “while most Alaskans are up to date with the MMR vaccine, vaccination rates dropped during the COVID pandemic and have not recovered. They are well below the 95% coverage recommended to achieve community-wide immunity. Factors contributing to low vaccination rates include challenges in access to care, vaccine hesitancy, and education about safety and benefits. As of 31 December, MMR coverage in Alaska was 77% of children under three years of age and 68% of kindergarten-aged children (5-6 years). “To prevent measles infection and reduce the risk of transmission, everyone should be vaccinated,” said Alex Huseman. “The Alaska Immunization Program is engaged in an immunization education campaign through traditional channels, with messages and education about vaccine-preventable diseases and how to do it,” says the state’s DOH public information officer. “All populations in Alaska are at risk of infection. No region or age group meets the recommended 95% coverage rate for MMR to prevent outbreaks. The risk is greatest for “children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems,” says Huseman. “Some people can suffer serious complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain); they may need to be hospitalized and may die.” “Our awareness campaign includes public service announcements on Telemundo and Sol de Medianoche. We are working to make educational materials available in Spanish and other languages commonly spoken in Alaska.” Any community group or organization can request vaccination services at a local event by emailing [email protected]. The immunization program also works with tribal partners to ensure access to vaccines. “We continue to work to ensure that our messages are inclusive of all populations in the state. We also have programs like freshstart.alaska.gov that promote healthy lifestyles, such as strengthening the immune system. |