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September 27, 2024
Measles continues to occur in Minnesota. As of Sept. 24, there have been 59 cases of measles in 2024. All but one of the cases was unvaccinated. Of the 59 cases, 51 have been related to an ongoing outbreak that started in May. Separate from the outbreak, we recently had two un-related, unvaccinated cases test positive for measles after returning from international travel.
Information on recognizing and reporting measles, including a provider pocket guide, can be found at Measles Information For Health Professionals, and Measles (Rubeola) Pocket Guide (PDF). Consider measles in patients presenting with clinically compatible symptoms and who are unvaccinated, have a known exposure to someone with measles, are returning from international travel, or have a known exposure to someone who recently returned from international exposure. If you suspect your patient has measles, contact the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) immediately prior to specimen collection, at 651-201-5414 to speak with an epidemiologist about next steps.
Keep in mind that approximately 5 to 15% of people who receive MMR vaccine will develop a low-grade fever and/or mild rash 7 to 12 days after vaccination. Vaccine-related rash is not infectious and no special precautions such as exclusion from work or school need to be taken. However, for those who have been exposed to measles around the time they received a MMR vaccine, the only way to tell if the rash is a reaction to the vaccine is to test. Patients should contact their health care provider if they are concerned about a rash that developed following vaccination.
It is crucial to continue to promote MMR vaccine and help close our current gaps in vaccine coverage to help mitigate the spread of measles. MDH’s MIIC texting tools helps reach patients who might be overdue or due for MMR.
Partner with MDH to text your clients who are overdue or recommended for vaccines. This program will be adding COVID-19, flu, and RSV texting campaigns for this respiratory season. The MIIC texting program is free to the participating providers and is easy to set up. For more information, email the MIIC texting program at health.miictexting@state.mn.us or visit Reminder/Recall Using Text Messages (PDF).
The COVID-19, Influenza, and RSV vaccine guides for the 2024-2025 respiratory season are now available. Providers can refer to these guides for the most up-to-date information regarding current vaccination recommendations, dosage, and formulation specifics:
For any questions, contact us at health.vaccinesme@state.mn.us.
Novavax vaccine
On Aug. 30, the FDA authorized the updated 2024-2025 Novavax COVID-19 vaccine. The updated vaccine is authorized for use in persons ages 12 years and older. It includes a monovalent component that targets the Omicron JN.1 variant.
- Persons ages 12 years and older who have never been vaccinated with any COVID-19 vaccine are eligible to receive two doses of this updated vaccine, 3 weeks apart.
- Persons who have been vaccinated only with one dose of any Novavax COVID-19 vaccine are eligible to receive one dose of the updated Novavax COVID-19 vaccine at least 3 weeks after the previous dose.
- Those who have been vaccinated with a prior formula of a COVID-19 vaccine from another manufacturer, or with two or more doses of a prior formula of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, are eligible to receive a single dose of the updated Novavax vaccine at least 2 months after the last dose.
For more detailed information including recommendations and schedules, visit CDC: Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines.
How long do I need to wait before getting the updated COVID-19 vaccine?
For most people, the minimum interval between their last 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine dose and their 2024-2025 vaccine dose is at least 8 weeks. Exceptions include:
- People who are completing a multidose initial vaccination series (i.e., children ages 6 months-4 years).
- People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised.
- People ages 12 years and older who receive Novavax vaccine as their initial vaccination.
For more details, visit CDC: Clinical Guidance for COVID-19 Vaccination and CDC: Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines.
Free COVID-19 tests are back
Every U.S. household is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Tests will start shipping the week of Sept. 30. Order yours today at covidtests.gov: ASPR COVID-19 Testing.
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