Do Adults Need to Repeat the Measles Vaccine? Here's the Complete Explanation

Illustration of a measles patient (photo: Freepik)

YOGYAKARTA - Measles is a contagious disease that has been known for hundreds of years and is still a health threat to this day. Most recently, an internship doctor (intern) with the initials AMW (26) was reported to have died after contracting measles while on duty at Cimacan Hospital, Cianjur West Java.

Before dying, he experienced symptoms such as fever, a red rash on the skin, and severe shortness of breath.

This case also raises an important question in the community, do adults need to repeat the measles vaccination to protect themselves from the risk of infection that can be fatal?

It is known that the measles virus was first successfully isolated in 1954, and effective vaccines have been used since 1963. The massive vaccination program made this disease was declared eliminated in 2000. However, in recent years, measles cases have increased again, especially in groups who have not received the vaccine.

Do Adults Need to Repeat the Measles Vaccine?

Quoted from the UCLA Health website, the question of whether adults need to repeat the measles vaccine actually has an answer that depends on each individual's condition.

If a person has ever had a complete measles vaccine or has been infected with measles before, they usually have a lifelong immunity. In this case, a re-vaccination is generally not necessary.

However, for adults who have never been vaccinated or do not have a clear immunization history, revaccination is highly recommended. This is important to prevent the risk of transmission, especially in the midst of the increasing number of measles cases in various regions.

Why is Measles Still Dangerous?

Measles is not just a common disease. This disease is very contagious, even about 90 percent of people who do not have immunity can get infected if they are close to the sufferer.

The measles virus spreads through splashes of saliva or mucus, for example when the sufferer coughs or sneezes. This virus can also survive on the surface of objects for several hours, so that transmission is very easy to occur.

What Are the Symptoms of Measles to Watch Out For?

Measles symptoms usually appear within 1–2 weeks of exposure to the virus. Some common signs include:

High fever Cough and cold Red eyes White spots in the mouth Red rash on the skin

When the rash appears, the body temperature can rise drastically to more than 40°C. This condition needs to be addressed immediately to prevent further complications.

Risk of Measles Complications in Adults

Around a third of measles sufferers can experience serious complications, such as:

DiarrheaSevere ear infectionPneumonia

In addition, recent research shows that the measles virus can also attack the brain. In certain cases, the virus can settle in the body for years and then cause a rare disease called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE). This disease is progressive, brain damaging, and often fatal.

The Importance of Vaccination to Prevent Measles

Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles. People who refuse vaccination not only endanger themselves, but also increase the risk of transmission in the surrounding environment, including children and vulnerable groups.

Therefore, it is important for everyone to ensure their immunization status. If in doubt, consult a doctor to find out if you need additional vaccines.

This is the answer to the question of whether adults need to repeat the measles vaccine. Get other interesting news updates by visiting the VOI.id page.