Cristin McCarthy Vahey

Dear Neighbors,

As I shared earlier this week, I recently stood with the Connecticut Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics to talk about the safety, efficacy, and importance of vaccination.

While the pediatricians’ focus was on children, I want to also underscore the need for vaccination for people of all ages.

Last week the Food and Drug Administration’s top vaccine official resigned, “with a heavy heart.” Dr. Peter Marks, MD, PhD, who also served under the previous Trump Administration, expressed his concern about misinformation and “the unprecedented assault on scientific truth that has adversely impacted public health in our nation.” Specifically, with respect to the current measles outbreak, he noted:

“The ongoing multistate measles outbreak that is particularly severe in Texas reminds us of what happens when confidence in well-established science underlying public health and well-being is undermined. Measles…had been eliminated from our shores. …The MMR vaccine is 97% or more effective in preventing measles following the two-dose series, and its safety has been remarkably well studied. Though rarely followed by a single fever-related seizure, or very rarely by allergic reactions or blood clotting disorders, the vaccine very simply does not cause autism, nor is it associated with encephalitis or death. … Undermining confidence in well-established vaccines that have met the high standards for quality, safety, and effectiveness that have been in place for decades at FDA is irresponsible, detrimental to public health, and a clear danger to our nation's health, safety, and security.” 

As the CDC reminds us, vaccines are not just for children. They protect us from disease and death across the lifespan.

Many of you have heard me talk about losing my brother-in law to the flu at age 43. I know what it means to have “everyday” illnesses wreak havoc on a family.

Vaccine hesitancy is a more common conversation in recent years. Flu vaccination rates declined this year, especially among high-risk groups. Here are some tips on talking with people who may be hesitant.

Speaking directly with your medical provider is always a good idea. The proliferation of inaccurate information online means it is important to go to trusted, validated resources. You can find more information about vaccines here and here.

When it comes to the measles immunity, a recent Hartford Courant article shared what the Connecticut Department of Public Health is “strongly recommending.” Additionally, a graphic created by a Texas doctor is included.

From the Courant article:
 

• A dose of the MMR vaccine be given to infants 6-11 months of age who will be travelling internationally or to areas in the United States with active measles transmission
• The dose should be given at least two weeks prior to travel. Additionally, some adults who received their MMR vaccines between 1963-1967 may have received a different version of the measles vaccine that was less effective
• Anyone vaccinated during that time period who is unsure of what vaccine they received should talk to their primary care provider about whether they are protected
• Two doses of MMR vaccine given at least 28 days apart is 97% effective at preventing measles infection
• Most children routinely receive two doses, one at 12–15 months of age and the second at 4–6 years. Infants 6-11 months of age who receive an MMR dose prior to travel should still receive the recommended two doses of MMR vaccine on the routine schedule;
• Some adults might only have a single dose, as the recommendation for a second dose did not begin until the 1990s
• Certain groups, such as college students, healthcare workers, international travelers, and those at high risk for measles complications, should receive two doses. Adults born before 1957 are generally considered immune due to past measles exposure

Wishing you a wonderful weekend. As always, please feel free to reach out directly with your ideas, questions, or concerns. You can reach me by phone at (860) 240-8585 or (203) 522-3037.

Take care,

Cristin McCarthy Vahey