The Measles Vaccine Is Again Available at HSE. Why Is It So Important to Get Vaccinated?
Because measles is already near. Don’t forget that there was a case of the measles in the Faculty of Communications, Media, and Design at Khitrovsky pereulok, 2/8, building 5. In order to ensure the safety of students and staff, HSE will begin offering the measles vaccine on campus once again starting February 19. Read below to learn more about measles and the measles vaccine.
Is measles really that dangerous?
Yes, very. Firstly, it is one of the most contagious diseases in the world. The measles virus spreads through coughing and sneezing, close personal contact, or direct contact with infected nasopharyngeal secretions. It remains active on surfaces or once it is airborne for 2 hours. A person who has contracted the virus is already contagious 4 days before visible symptoms (a rash) develop, as well as for 4 days after the appearance of visible symptoms.
But most importantly, measles can bring about serious health complications, including blindness, encephalitis (an infection that causes brain swelling), severe diarrhea and consequent dehydration, ear infections, and severe respiratory infections, such as pneumonia. According to the World Health Organization, the majority of measles deaths also occur due to complications associated with this disease. These complications most often develop in children under five years of age or in adults over thirty.
Is getting vaccinated really the only way to prevent getting infected?
Getting vaccinated is the only way to prevent catching the disease.
‘The contagion index for measles is 100%. If a person does not have immunity to measles, he or she will catch it if he or she comes into contact with someone who has it—there is no question, he or she will get infected,’ Olga Evseychik, pediatrician of the ‘Rassvet’ clinic, told Mel.fm, a Russian education publication.
I might be immune to measles already, so why bother getting vaccinated again? Is there a way to find out?
‘There is no need to do an analysis of immunity or the presence of antibodies; this is not a very reliable measurement,’ says Vasily Vlassov, a professor of the Department of Health Care Administration and Economy. ‘If you can, ask your parents if you were innoculated against measles. Maybe they have your childhood immunization records on hand (ideally, this record would have been transferred to the clinic where you currently receive medical care as an adult), and they can check to see whether you received the measles vaccine as a child or not. If you have never had measles and are not confident of having been vaccinated, then it is best to just get vaccinated. It is probably not worth spending the time it would take to find your immunization records or contact your doctor—it could take days.’
But I’ve heard that the vaccine doesn’t ensure 100% protection against the disease.
‘The measles vaccine is 97% effective. This is extremely effective. Measles is VERY contagious, so get vaccinated soon,’ says Vasily Vlassov.
Is the vaccine safe?
There are no drugs or vaccines without complications, but the measles vaccine, including the combined version that includes rubella and parotitis, is safe.
The vaccine causes some side effects (for example, allergies). Before you get vaccinated, you doctor will ask you questions that will help determine whether you are likely to suffer side effects or not.
Okay, I’m convinced. So when and where can I get the vaccine here on campus?
You can get vaccinated any time between 11:00 AM-3:00 PM on February 19-21 at either of the following locations:
20 Myasnitskaya St., room 105 (medical office)
11 Myasnitskaya St., room 433
For updates, check this page and your HSE email account.