Information and recommended steps to deal with the measles outbreak

Since November 2017, France has been affected by an outbreak of measles. So far this year, since January 1, 2019, 288 cases of measles have been reported:

• 81 cases (28%) were admitted to hospital, 4 cases required treatment in intensive care, 23 cases (8%) experienced complications (lung disease) and 1 died.

• 90% of cases occurred in subjects who had been only partially vaccinated or not vaccinated at all.

Given this situation, the French General Directorate of Health recommends:

• for people born since 1980: two doses of the trivalent MMR vaccine

• for people born before 1980 who are not sure whether they have had measles: one dose of the trivalent MMR vaccine

Systematic verification of measles vaccine status is particularly important for children aged 1 to 4, adolescents, young parents, women of childbearing age and those in close contact with vulnerable (immunodeficient) individuals.

The staff in the Occupational Health Department are on hand to answer any questions you may have about your vaccine status based on your vaccination card and will perform vaccinations free of charge if needed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 2 to 4pm.

If you require any further information, please send an email to the following address: drhst@pasteur.fr