Top Colorado Doctor Says Adults Worried About Measles Should Just Get A Vaccination
DENVER (CBS4) - The measles outbreak is getting worse, and as the number of cases grows, so does the risk of the disease spreading even further.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 102 cases and counting have hit people in the U.S. in just the last month. The center reports the people infected are in 14 states, including the one case in Colorado.
Doctors are urging children be immunized, and now many adults who aren't sure if they were ever vaccinated are wondering what to do.
A business called Any Lab Test Now in Centennial will screen for measles. The company uses a $49 blood test that will determine if a person is immune to measles. They say results are available in just days.
Annie Matthews, a wife and mother from Highlands Ranch, went to Any Lab Test Now to get a blood test. Concerned about the recent measles outbreak, the 28-year-old wanted to know without a doubt that she was vaccinated against the highly contagious disease.
"I'm not sure if my mom did. I think they did, but I'm not positive," Matthews said.
The sample will be shipped to an outside lab.
"Basically it's going to find out what antibodies, if she has any for the measles, and so it will let her know if she needs to get vaccinated or not," Any Lab Test Now owner Chris Wolfe said.
"I just have a 1-year-old ... I wanted to make sure I'm fine so she'll be fine and nobody gets sick," Matthews said.
The blood draw takes about 15 minutes.
"Unless it's ordered by the physician, a blood test really is unnecessary," said Dr. Larry Wolk, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Wolk says adults born before 1957 are in the clear. The measles virus was widespread enough back then that there's natural immunity. Wolk recommends those born after that time and unsure is they got the vaccination should just get another vaccination.
"There's no reason not to just get a second vaccine if there's any question at all, and not waste money and time in getting a blood test unless it's something your doctor asked for," Wolk said.
But Matthews believes the test could save her some future discomfort.
"I don't like shots," she said.
LINK: Any Lab Test Now