As of February 28, 2025, the United States is experiencing a significant measles outbreak, with Texas reporting 146 confirmed cases since late January, including one tragic death of an unvaccinated child. While Maine has not reported any cases in this outbreak, it’s crucial to remain vigilant and proactive to prevent the spread of measles within our communities.
Preventive Measures
To maintain our community’s protection against measles, consider the following actions:
1. Ensure Vaccination is Up to Date
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective, with two doses providing approximately 97% protection against measles. The U.S. CDC recommends that children should receive the first dose between 12 and 15 months of age and the second dose between 4 and 6 years of age.
Individuals born between 1957 and 1967 should check their measles vaccination history. While most people in this age group have some immunity, those who received the inactivated (killed) measles vaccine between 1963 and 1967 should be revaccinated with at least one dose of the live, attenuated (weakened) MMR vaccine, as the earlier version was ineffective. Adults who are unsure of their vaccination history or immunity, should receive an additional dose of the live attenuated measles vaccine.
For those high-risk groups, such as health care workers, international travelers, or individuals in outbreak prone areas, ensuring full protection is especially important.
2. Verify Immunization Records
Parents and guardians should review their children’s vaccination records to ensure compliance with Maine’s immunization requirements. Healthcare providers can assist in determining if any catch-up vaccinations are necessary.
3. Stay Informed About Travel Risks
Given the current outbreak in other states, it’s essential to be aware of measles risks associated with domestic and international travel. Ensure that all travelers are appropriately vaccinated before departure. Visit the CDC's Travelers Health webpage for more detailed guidance on the ongoing measles risk around the world.
4. Recognize Measles Symptoms:
Early symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash that typically starts on the face and spreads downward. If you or a family member exhibit these symptoms, especially after potential exposure, contact a healthcare provider immediately.
5. Implement Infection Control Practices:
Healthcare facilities should be prepared to identify and isolate suspected measles cases promptly. This includes educating staff about symptoms, ensuring the availability of personal protective equipment, and adhering to standard and airborne precautions.
Additional Resources:
Measles Vaccine Recommendations
Measles Cases and Outbreaks
Clinical Overview of Measles
Immunize.org (IAC) - Vaccines A-Z: Measles
Maine Health Alert Network (HAN)
COVID-19 vaccine provides additional protection against COVID-19 associated emergency department/urgent care visits and hospitalizations. Everyone ages 6 months and older should get the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine. This includes people who have received a COVID-19 vaccine, people who have had COVID-19, and people with long COVID.
Getting the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine is important because:
- Protection from the COVID-19 vaccine decreases with time.
- Immunity after COVID-19 infection decreases with time.
- COVID-19 vaccines are updated to give you the best protection from the currently circulating strains.
- Getting the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine is especially important if you:
- Never received a COVID-19 vaccine
- Are ages 65 years and older
- Are living in a long-term care facility
Staying Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines | COVID-19 | CDC |
McKesson will begin using new electronic TagAlert temperature monitors for refrigerated vaccine shipments next month.
These monitors are similar to the ones that are currently being used in the frozen Moderna COVID shipments, and they monitor for both warm and cold excursions during the shipment. McKesson will continue to use a qualified cooler and pack out, in addition to these new monitors. The new monitors will be included in refrigerated shipments beginning on March 10, 2025.
The flyer attached below includes information about the new temperature monitor and will be included in refrigerated vaccine shipments moving forward.
Refrigerated Tag Alert Cooler Inserts
McKesson is actively working with the CDC regarding recent vaccine recommendations, and we will share an official update soon. In the meantime, please note that Bexsero storage guidelines, including the use of amber bags, can be found on page 22 of the CDC distribution guide.
For repacked vaccine shipments, vials and syringes will be enclosed in a 6" x 8" amber bags, which serve as the original packaging. Bexsero will no longer be shipped in the manufacturers packaging. These bags provide protection for light sensitive vaccines and should remain in use during refrigerated storage until administration.
If you have any question or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out. Stay tuned for further updates.
Flucelvax influenza vaccine, is currently unavailable for ordering and we do not anticipate receiving additional stock.
To help us improve our educational sessions, we've put together a short survey to gather your input.
-
How often office hours should be held
-
Preferred days and times
-
Topics you'd like us to cover
Thank you for your time -- we appreciate your input!
Enrolled providers locations should expect to receive an invite email from Control Solutions to "Join Team".
It is important that you accept this invite, as it is a necessary step for adding each location for the upcoming training sessions for implementing the new data loggers.
If you have not received an invite, please contact us at: .
Tuesday, March 4, is International HPV Awareness Day, a great time to spread the word about how HPV vaccine can reduce the risk of cancers caused by certain types of this common virus. HPV vaccination should be completed routinely before age 13 years, and as soon as feasible for all unvaccinated adolescents and young adults through age 26. Adults age 27 through 45 who want protection may be vaccinated after a discussion with their healthcare provider.
Vaccination before sexual contact is the most effective way to protect against HPV-related cancers including cervical, vaginal, vulvar, anal, penile, and head and neck cancers. Vaccination prevents almost 90% of cervical cancer cases. HPV is also the most common cause of oral cancers in men. Because everyone is at risk for HPV-related cancers, it's important to receive the HPV vaccine series according to recommended vaccination schedules.
|
