· ZüpMed · Vaccines & Public Health · 1 min read
Measles In Shelby County: Should You Be Worried?
Recent measles cases in Shelby County explained—what you need to know about vaccination status and protection.
Content Summary
ZüpMed addresses recent measles cases in Shelby County, Tennessee, providing residents with practical information about the disease and vaccination status.
Current Situation
The Shelby County Department of Health has confirmed three measles cases in Memphis. However, most residents are protected through vaccination. If you’ve had the MMR vaccine per the recommended schedule, you can breathe a sigh of relief.
Disease Background
Measles was eliminated from continuous U.S. transmission in 2000 but remains endemic globally. Elimination differs from eradication—the disease can resurface through international travel and unvaccinated populations.
Vaccination Protection
A single MMR dose provides approximately 93% protection, increasing to roughly 97% after two doses. Protection lasts a lifetime for most recipients, with no annual boosters required.
At-Risk Groups
- Unvaccinated individuals and children under 15 months
- Those vaccinated with the less-effective killed virus version (1963-1967)
- Immunocompromised persons
Recommended Actions
Individuals uncertain about immunity status can obtain either a booster vaccination or antibody titer testing through their healthcare provider.
