The world is once again vulnerable to infectious diseases. Numerous measles outbreaks have already been reported in the European Union, including in Belgium, Brussels and Sint-Niklaas (1). Belgium vaccinated younger people well during the Corona years (full vaccination offers lifelong protection), but due to incomplete measles vaccination in people born between 1970 and 1985. Measles vaccination consists of two injections (combined with mumps and rubella vaccines): the first at 12 months and the second at 9 years.
On 14 December 2023, the World Health Organization raised the alarm for measles: between January and October 2023, more than 30,000 cases have already been reported: that is, 30 times more than in 2022 (2).
Measles is a serious and highly contagious infectious disease, leading to complications in 10-20% of cases and in rare cases (1 in 1,000 to encephalitis), both in children and adults. The disease is already contagious before the rash breaks out (3).
Anyone who is not immune, due to the disease or the vaccine, and comes close to a person sick with measles (it is not necessary to touch him, the virus floats in the air for a while) has a very high probability of becoming ill. That’s why it’s important to check if you’re protected.
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(1)De Standaard 12/28/2023, Maxie Eckert. Measles is circulating again in Europe, with outbreaks already in Sint-Niklaas and Brussels (
How to interpret this news?
Those born before 1970 often contracted measles as children and therefore enjoy lifelong protection from antibodies. People born after 1985 are generally well vaccinated and therefore safe. However, between 1970 and 1985, many people were not vaccinated or were not vaccinated sufficiently (with only one injection). This puts these people at greater risk of measles.
This is how you find out if you are protected against measles
If you (or your mother or father) no longer remember whether you have been fully vaccinated in the past, you can find out in several ways:
Maybe you still have your vaccination card or Child and Family booklet from when you were little?
Vaccination data is stored by vaccinating doctors and is currently registered in Vaccinnet, the Flemish government’s vaccination database. This way they will never be lost again.
You can view your vaccination details online via Patient Health Viewer. If you can’t find any information there, ask your doctor for advice. He will decide whether catch-up vaccinations are necessary.
Whether or not you are protected from measles is often difficult to determine from a blood sample. Therefore, it is not recommended to take a blood test.
Get (re)vaccinated
If you have any doubts, don’t hesitate to get vaccinated (again). Even if you receive more than 2 doses, side effects rarely occur.
If you were born after 1970, have not had measles and have not been vaccinated or have only been vaccinated once, you will be offered the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination in Flanders free of charge through your GP. After 2 MMR vaccinations with at least a month’s interval you are fully vaccinated.
If you are traveling to a high-risk country with a child under 1 year old, you can vaccinate your child in advance from the age of 6 months. This extra injection is also available free of charge from your doctor. Keep in mind that this early vaccine does not count as a full vaccination, but it offers short-term protection. After this dose, the child should receive 2 more vaccinations, according to the basic vaccination schedule.
If you are over 49, but exceptionally did not have measles as a child, it is advisable to also get vaccinated.
If you are under 34 and were not adequately vaccinated as a child, it is best to arrange this now.
If you are pregnant or have reduced resistance due to illness or treatment, you should not get vaccinated against measles. Women who wish to have children and who are vaccinated cannot become pregnant for a month.
Conclusion
Since the coronavirus crisis has been more or less under control, an old and well-known infectious disease has re-emerged: measles. In several countries, including Belgium, epidemics of this highly contagious infection occur, sometimes leading to serious complications in 20-30% of diseases. We have an excellent vaccine that is well tolerated. Check your vaccination status and, if necessary, register for a vaccination.
