Scooterboy

With the measles outbreak has anyone here gotten or considered getting the MMR shots? We are going to look into this what with Patty’s weakened system and our new love for international travel.

Lainey

I had read if you were born before 1957, there wasn't a concern. I'm guessing the assumption is we've had the measles. Given Patty's health issues, I too would ask the docs. Let us know what they say.

What about whooping cough. Did you get the shot for that too? I think it's part of a combo booster shot/vaccine.

S2KRAY

I got measles in the 50's so no.

buckeyesue

MMR is Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (German Measles.)

Whooping Cough (Pertussis) is part of the DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus) vaccine.

I have never had documented cases of Mumps or Rubella (German Measles), although I did have the "regular" Measles.

In the 1980's, I was working in the virology department of a children's hospital. I was tested for immunity to German Measles, and I had no titer, so I was required to be vaccinated before I could work there. I'm not really sure whether I was just vaccinated for Rubella (German Measles) at that time, or whether it was the MMR shot. Doesn't matter much because I've been vaccinated for MMR since then anyway.

In more recent years, there were epidemics of Mumps and Measles in Columbus, and more specifically on the OSU campus where I was working. It was recommended that employees get the MMR vaccine if they were not sure of their history or if they planned any international travel. So, I got the first shot on campus, and the second shot at my doctor's office later.

I have had the DPT booster shot in recent years, too, so I should be protected against Whooping Cough.

Scooterboy, I think it is a good idea for you to check with Patty's doctors about whether she should get any vaccines. However, I would also do some research myself, because some vaccines are given as live (attenuated) viruses, and should not be given to people with weakened immune systems.

I think this might be a useful site about vaccines. If you scroll down to the bottom of that page, there are links to info about specific vaccines.

Vaccines

MAGGIEMAE

Had them all as a child. Interesting side note when I got Whooping Cough my dad took me up in an unpressurized Aircraft as that was thought to me a good treatment back in the day. The flight is noted in his Logbook and that it seemed to Help ponder:

buckeyesue

That is interesting, MAGGIEMAE.

It is interesting that I never had Whooping Cough. All 4 of my sisters had it around the same time, and I was exposed to all of them, but I never got Whooping Cough.

tof

No MMR in some years. But Sandy and I recently got DPT vaccine in prep for the arrival of our new grandson next month.

Zippy

Had measles, and chicken pox. I received the mumps vaccine in my teen years. Received a DPT a few years back which I have a little accident with a kitchen knife.

buckeyesue

Mike, that was a very good idea.

Here is what the CDC has to say about Grandparents and Whooping Cough.

Grandparents and Whooping Cough

tof

That's a good read for any new grandparent. Our kids made us aware of the need and asked that we get inoculated several weeks before the expected big day as we will be with them in Nashville taking care of their three year old while they are in hospital.