Measles after MMR

[WantRice]

Well, a child in my friend's family has come down with measles after getting the MMR vaccine. This is the first time I've actually known someone in real life who has had this type of vaccine reaction. I'm surprised the doctor actually admitted it was measles. Anyway, I'm wondering, in this type of situation would the child receive natural life-long immunity since he's actually come down with the disease or is this no better than the type of immunity he'd get from the vaccine (assuming it actually works)?

[PaigeC]

If he got the measles from the vaccine it is a different strain than "wild" measles and will not provide lifetime immunity since it bypassed parts of the immune system and is an attenuated strain.

Not to say that vaccinated kids can't get wild measles. But if the symptoms presented soon after MMR vaccination (within 3 weeks) then it is more than likely from the vaccine.

[Marnica]

I think this happens fairly frequently actually. If you look at the package inserts one of the possible side effects listed is a "atypical measles". I think the docs dismiss it as a "rash or a "normal" side effect from the vaccine.

[Super Glue Mommy]

this is extremely common.

[purplemamaaz]

I was vaccinated for measles in 1974, contracted measles in 1975 at age 2. In my late 20's and early 30's I worked in a hospital for several years and every year I had to take a blood test to prove I was immune from the measles and I always was. That's just my story..........

[melissabb]

Originally Posted by WantRice

Well, a child in my friend's family has come down with measles after getting the MMR vaccine. This is the first time I've actually known someone in real life who has had this type of vaccine reaction. I'm surprised the doctor actually admitted it was measles. Anyway, I'm wondering, in this type of situation would the child receive natural life-long immunity since he's actually come down with the disease or is this no better than the type of immunity he'd get from the vaccine (assuming it actually works)?

As a child I also got the measles right after being vaxed.

[WantRice]

Thanks for the info everyone!