The California Department of Public Health is urging everyone who qualifies to get an updated measles vaccine following a a resurgence of cases across the nation and globe.
Vaccination rates for measles have been steadily dropping both nationally and worldwide, which health officials point to as a reason more cases are being reported for a disease that had largely vanished.
“It is definitely an ‘uh-oh’ moment, not because is measles is still transmissible, which it is, but because it can cause a lot of unnecessary suffering,” said Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease expert with the University of California San Francisco.
CDPH reports 26 measles cases have been reported across nine counties so far this year.
Meanwhile, a growing number of agencies are also requiring their employees to prove vaccination status.
Some dialysis centers in the Bay Area are now asking patients to show proof of the vaccine as well, otherwise the centers will test the patients’ antibodies to see if they require the vaccine.
“It makes sense for people to make sure that their environment is as safe as possible,” Chin-Hong said.
Chin-Hong said he is not surprised that more health agencies in California are requiring their employees to show proof of the measles vaccine, adding he had to do it at UCSF.
“I think it will be a growing trend because it makes sense for companies who want to keep their employees and patients safe,” Chin-Hong said.
Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease caused by a virus that can lead to severe complications and death.
Santa Clara Valley Health said all of its healthcare workers are required to provide proof of immunity to measles and provided the following statement:
“Santa Clara Valley Healthcare (SCVH) is actively monitoring measles activity and maintaining strong preparedness measures to protect patients, staff, and the community. All healthcare workers are required to provide proof of immunity to measles according to our Employee Health policy. SCVH also offers ongoing education and awareness for providers, including a measles clinical tip sheet in the HealthLink electronic medical record system, systemwide screensaver reminders, updates at medical leadership meetings, and regular health advisories shared with medical staff from the County’s Public Health Department. These efforts help ensure our teams are prepared to quickly identify and safely respond to any potential cases.”
Wilfredo Lacro at Bay Area Community Health provided the following statement on Friday:
“Employees are required to provide proof of required vaccinations at the time of hiring. Bay Area Community Health continuously monitors and implements any new requirements mandated by State and County Health Departments. Until new mandates are formally enforced, leadership and compliance teams meet regularly to review guidance and ensure the organization remains prepared and compliant. Any updates or policy changes are communicated to employees in a timely manner.”
People can check their vaccine portal records with the California Department of Public Heath at myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov.
UCSF infectious disease specialist Dr. Peter Chin-Hong joined NBC Bay Area’s Raj Mathai to talk about the new measles outbreak.
