Herd immunity is important in Lovell

My mother and I lack a detectable antibody titer for one component of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, though I cannot recall which one. Despite receiving multiple MMR vaccinations, we appear to have antibodies to only two of the three diseases. I worry the missing protection may be against measles. Clearly, this is yet another genetic defect.

Tuesday, the State of New York declared a state emergency because of the measles outbreak there. The State of Pennsylvania has 1,000 cases currently, and 99% of those cases were among unvaccinated people. This is a virus that has a 90% chance of a person catching it when in close contact with someone with the measles if they are unvaccinated. That doesn’t bode well for me or others like me.

I do not want to dictate anyone’s medical decisions, just as I do not want others to dictate mine. But vaccination choices affect more than one person. High community immunity can help protect neighbors who cannot be vaccinated or who, like me, may not develop the expected antibodies. When enough people are immune, a virus has fewer opportunities to find a new host and sustain an outbreak.

So, “Lovell with me” during this season of uncertainty and flu. Consider getting vaccinated. Maybe you aren’t afraid of the measles, COVID or the flu, but some of us are. Some of us take the shots and still don’t carry the proper antibodies and depend on our neighbors being vaccinated to ensure herd immunity. Clearly, talk with your physician about what vaccines are important for you, and follow their recommendation rather than the ever-changing information coming from Washington, DC. Lovell with me and stay healthy this flu season and beyond.