University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository
Specialty
Family Medicine
Advisor
Dr. Elise Watkins
Abstract
The recent measles outbreak has raised questions about adults’ presumed immunity. The purpose of this study is to determine whether a significant number of immunized adults are no longer immune to the measles virus and are thus vulnerable to infection. This study reviewed the electronic health records of 109 patients in a family practice who had immunoassays analyzed between January 2015 and April 2019. Results of these tests were analyzed to determine what percentage of patients had not retained their immunity. Two laboratories were used in accordance with patients’ insurance. Fourteen percent of patients who had been immunized to measles were no longer immune. While the vaccine provides immunity to measles, lifetime immunity is not always the case and patients may need to be rechecked and revaccinated as needed.
Recommended Citation
Sacks M. Loss of Measles Immunity in Adults Previously Vaccinated. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2020; 2(2).
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