I don’t remember if I had the measles vaccine. Should I take a new dose?

The Measles is a highly contagious diseaseWhich causes fever, persistent cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis and red spots on the body. In severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia, neurological disease, and even death.

Vaccines are the best way to prevent measles, and only two childhood doses are enough to guarantee lifelong protection.

This month, the Ministry of Health launched a program National campaign of vaccination against influenza and measles. In the case of measles, the application of vaccines aims to immunize health workers and children aged 6 months to 5 years (up to 4 years, 11 months and 29 days).

Even adults who don’t know if they were vaccinated against measles as children should get a new dose. Doctor Renato Kfoury, director of the Brazilian Society of Immunization (SBIm), says that an overdose does not pose risks for people who are not sure if they have taken the full regimen.

“If you don’t have your vaccination card or don’t remember whether you had this vaccine as a child, it’s worth taking another dose,” Kfoury suggests.

Increase in measles cases

Until mid-2016, Brazil was a reference in the fight against measles, certified disease-free by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

The resurgence of the virus occurred during two outbreaks: with entry through the north of the country between 2016 and 2017, and in 2018, through São Paulo.

Infection scientist Anna Helena Germoglio says that during the Covid-19 pandemic, vaccine coverage for many diseases has decreased due to the population’s fear of going to health centers. According to her, it is very important for parents to settle their children’s vaccination cards now. “Right now, we have a better pandemic scenario, we need to run after the damage,” the expert says.

See the list of groups that can be vaccinated in the National Influenza and Measles Vaccination Campaign:

Phase One – April 4 to May 2:

• Older adults 60 years and over (influenza).
• Health workers (influenza, measles).

Phase Two – May 2 to June 3:

• Children 6 months to less than 5 years (4 years, 11 months and 29 days) (influenza, measles);
• pregnant women and women after childbirth (influenza);
• indigenous peoples (influenza);
• teachers (flu);
• People with comorbidities (influenza);
• Persons with permanent disabilities (influenza);
• professionals of the security and rescue forces and the armed forces (influenza);
• truck drivers and workers in the long-distance and urban mass road transport of passengers (influenza);
• port workers (influenza);
• prison system officials (influenza);
• Adolescents and young adults from 12 to 21 years of age who are subject to social and educational measures (influenza);
• Population deprived of their liberty (influenza).