MARQUETTE, Mich. (WLUC) – Health experts say it’s important to vaccinate more than ever now that the U.P. has two confirmed measles cases. Both

cases are residents of Marquette County

.

Michigan’s Chief Medical Executive, Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, says measles cases are increasing, as seen in the West Texas outbreak.

“It’s one thing to get information on the best restaurant or the best fashion tips online and from social media, but when it comes to your health information, you really want to talk to someone who had the proper training,” Dr. Bagdasarian said.

Dr. Bagdasarian says one rumor is that the measles vaccine causes autism, which isn’t true. She says distrust around the COVID-19 vaccine has spread to other immunizations.

She says babies should start the MMR vaccine series at 12 months old when the immune system is developed. One shot is 93% effective against measles and two shots increase that to 97%. She says babies as young as six months can receive a vaccine, but it may not count in the overall series because the child’s immune system is still maturing.

Dr. Bagdasarian says you can inquire with your health care provider about another MMR vaccine. If you were vaccinated before 1968, it’s possible you were given a less effective version. She says you can also ask for a second dose if you were vaccinated before 1989, when only one dose was recommended.

“I’m not saying this because I’m paid by a vaccine group or I’m receiving any compensation at all,” Dr. Bagdasarian said. “I’m saying this because it’s truly something that I believe after looking at all the data. It’s something that I recommend to my family members as well.”

In Marquette, Marshfield Clinic Physician Assistant Kyle King says people have been calling the clinic these past few weeks. They asked how they can protect immunocompromised populations like kids and pregnant women.

King says pregnant women can’t receive the MMR vaccine, so it’s important for the people around them to be vaccinated in order to protect the mom and baby from potential risks.

“Really high risk of paternal-fetal demise,” King said. “So, mom getting really sick or dying from measles. Same thing for the baby, getting really, really sick and either having a stillborn or those developmental or cognitive issues.”

King says adults who received their pediatric vaccines should be protected. Still, he says you can have blood tests done to check your level of antibodies.

“We want as many, if not all patients, to have updated immunizations,” King said. “Especially illnesses that can cause really systemic issues through your community and through the state and wherever.”

King says measles is a community health issue and takes everyone to solve.