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Measles Myth Busting
Myth: The MMR and MMRV Vaccines Cause Autism |
| Fact: No, MMR and MMRV vaccines do not cause autism. This conclusion is supported by a large body of scientific research from around the world. Multiple well-designed studies have found no connection between these vaccines—or any of their components—and the development of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Research also shows that most neurological changes associated with ASD begin before birth, during early brain development, well before vaccines are administered. Additionally, there is no known biological mechanism by which vaccines could alter brain development in a way that would lead to autism. For more information and a summary of key studies, you can refer to this resource from Immunize.org. |
Myth: Vitamin A is an Alternative Treatment for Measles |
| Fact: The ONLY way to protect against measles is to get the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Alternative substances, such as vitamin A, cod liver oil, and budesonide, do not prevent or treat measles infections. High doses of these substances can be toxic and cause liver failure. Vitamin A is only recommended to those who are vitamin A-deficient, which typically does not include those living in first-world countries in North America and Europe. The WHO has recommended that vitamin A be used to help prevent deaths in measles patients who have a vitamin A deficiency due to being severely malnourished, specifically malnourished children in African countries and other third-world countries where measles is endemic. However, you should NOT self-administer vitamin A to yourself or your child. Vitamin A can be very dangerous in those who are not vitamin A-deficient, since excess amounts of it can easily build up to toxic levels and lead to liver damage and other serious health issues. While vitamin A can help reduce mortality from measles infections among vitamin A-deficient children, it does NOT prevent measles infection or severe illnesses/disabilities caused by measles infection. The ONLY intervention that can prevent measles infection is the measles vaccine. |
Myth: Measles Isn't That Contagious |
| Fact: Measles is extremely infectious. It is the most contagious disease that is transmitted directly from person to person. Epidemiologists use a metric called “R-naught” to express contagiousness. A disease’s “R-factor” indicates how many people, on average, one person will a given illness is expected to infect. The R-factor for measles is 12-18. By comparison, influenza is around 1-2; and Covid-19 at the start of the pandemic was 1.4-2.5, and increased to an average of 4 throughout the pandemic. The average R-factor of Ebola is 2 and HIV is 4. |
Myth: The MMR Vaccine isn't Effective |
| Fact: The MMR vaccine is highly effective. Two doses provide about 97% protection against measles. |
Myth: The Vaccines Aren't Safe |
| Fact: These statements are simply not true. The MMR vaccine is safe and has not been found to cause the serious illnesses and deaths that the disease has. The safety of the MMR vaccine has been widely studied in the 62 years it has been in use, and the scientific consensus has confirmed these facts. The Infectious Disease Society of America says that there have been “no deaths related to the measles, mumps, and rubella [MMR] vaccine in healthy individuals.” Another expert who specializes in infectious diseases, Dr. Daniel Griffin, pointed out that, “The MMR vaccine has never been found to cause a death in an immunocompetent individual.” Certain severely immunocompromised people are contraindicated from receiving the MMR and other live vaccines, since their immune system may not function properly. For immunocompetent people, side effects of the vaccine are typically very mild and adverse reactions are extremely rare. When administered as directed, to those indicated, the MMR vaccine is infinitely safer than the risks posed by the virus itself. |
Myth: Delaying or Not Getting Vaccinated will Be Safer for My Child |
| Fact: Delayed or no vaccination leaves children vulnerable to serious illness and complications from measles. Vaccination is the safest way to protect children. Vaccines begin at 2 months of age to protect babies as early in life as possible against diseases that can make them very sick. |
Myth: Only Children or Individuals with Comorbidities are at Risk of Severe Infections |
| Fact:Everyone lacking immunity to measles is susceptible to severe illness and death, regardless of age and other health factors. The only way to gain immunity to measles is by a person’s immune system making measles antibodies. There are only two ways for measles antibodies to be made: by being infected with the measles virus, or being vaccinated with the MMR vaccine. Being unvaccinated is by far the greatest factor determining who is most susceptible to contracting the virus and suffering severe illness, disability, and death. Common risks for ANY unvaccinated person who contracts the virus, including those who were otherwise healthy, can include encephalitis (infection/swelling of the brain), permanent blindness or deafness, intellectual disability, and death. |
Myth: I’m Breastfeeding, so My Baby is Protected from Infections |
| Fact: Breastfeeding is not a substitute for vaccination. This protection is not complete or long-lasting, and it's crucial to remember that vaccination against measles remains the most effective way to prevent the disease. Live virus vaccines, such as the MMR and MMRV, should not be given to pregnant women, but should be given to them before or after pregnancy, if indicated. Talk to your doctor about the MMR, Tdap, and flu vaccines before getting vaccinated. |