first measles vax for 13 yr old? Asthma related

[keeksmom]

Thinking about starting selective vax with my unvaxed 13 yr. old dd. As the years have gone by I have begun to change my mind about no vax, especially since she has asthma and illness seems to hit her harder because of that. My current concern is: We saw her asthma doc last week and he wants her to go on Flovent. The side effects warn that contracting measles while on this drug can be serious and even fatal. So my questions are - do I get her the MMR right away? Is there a just-measles shot? (not MMR). How long before immunity kicks in? I was vaxed for measles as a child (including boosters) and got measles anyway! Feedback appreciated, thanks!

[kathymuggle]

Any reason you do not want her to get the rubella portion of the MMR in addition to the measles?  

I do not vax, but will talk about and consider rubella with my daughters in their mid teens as rubella is not something I want them to contract when pregnant.

Here is a link on single measles, mumps, rubella vaccines...it looks like they may or may not be available now, but should be available shortly.  Good luck in your decisions and search.

http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/vaccines/return-separate-measles-mumps-rubella-vaccines-planned-2011

Edited by kathymuggle - 8/23/11 at 6:46am

[keeksmom]

You are right about the rubella vax being a consideration for girls. I was not specifically trying to avoid it, just solely focusing on measles. Good point, it would probably make sense to get her the MMR rather than just measles if that is even available.

[ma2two]

The only reason measles is specifically mentioned is because there is a vaccine for it. Chickenpox is also mentioned, for the same reason. But the fact is, there are many diseases that will be dangerous for her while she is on Flovent. http://us.gsk.com/products/assets/us_flovent_hfa.pdf

Edited by ma2two - 8/22/11 at 7:39pm

[Jugs]

^^I would think the reason measles and chicken pox are specifically mentioned is because they are respiratory infections; ie.more likely to result in complications for those with chronic respiratory diseases, particularly because steroidal meds weaken the immune system.

OP: following the catch-up schedule, she could get 2 doses of MMR, 4 weeks apart. 95% of vaccinees are immune after the first dose, 99% are immune after the second dose.