Dr Wy, why should I get a measles vaccine? Aren’t vaccines dangerous?

Ask Dr. Wy…

Richard Wyderski, MD, FACP

Dr Wy, why should I get a measles vaccine? Aren’t vaccines dangerous?

I’ll answer the second question first: No, vaccines are NOT dangerous, but they can have side effects (NOT autism) that in rare cases can be severe just like everything else we do in medicine. But when it comes to saving lives and preventing permanent disabilities, vaccines prevent the great majority of us from becoming severely ill or dying. And the more of us that are immune, the harder it is for infections to spread.

Should you a get a measles vaccine? Well, it depends. Children absolutely MUST be vaccinated since measles is one of the most contagious of all diseases and spreads like wildfire. Flu and COVD pale in comparison. Because of the measles vaccine, we hadn’t had a case in decades in the US until a few years ago. Because so many people are now refusing the measles vaccine, this year so far there have been more that 2300 cases, already a higher number than the total number in 2025. Measles can cause deafness, blindness, brain damage, seizures, pneumonia and, unfortunately, death. Two children have died so far from the outbreaks.

Adults who were vaccinated before or in 1967 before the modern vaccine became available should get a booster dose. If you were vaccinated after 1967, you’re covered for a lifetime. Adults who have never been vaccinated or don’t know should get one or two doses.

Please don’t fear vaccines. They’re not perfect, but they save lives, prevent disability and are the greatest medical treatment ever invented to help us live longer, healthier lives.

 

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