GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The recent measles outbreak gaining attention from many, including President Donald Trump.
"The vaccinations are so important. This is really going around now. They have to get their shots," said Trump to reporters at the White House.
More than 20 states have now confirmed cases with Michigan, Washington and California leading the way. As of Monday night, there are 43 confirmed cases in Michigan.
Doctor Dan McGee works at Helen Devos Children's Hospital.
"It's a scary thing that we're now seeing an uptick in measles," he said. "The biggest thing to remember in these cases is that pretty much all of these cases are in people that have not been immunized."
Experts blame misinformation for the outbreak, like some parents who think the measles vaccine can cause autism.
"I don't know how many studies it's gonna take to finally convince people, but there has been study upon study that shows the measles vaccine does NOT cause autism," McGee emphasized.
If you received the measles vaccine when you were a child, McGee said you don't need a second shot as an adult, but it also would not hurt.
"The measles vaccine is very effective, one shot will protect about 93 percent of the population. If you've had two shots, 97 percent of the population is protected. If you have any doubt, there is no harm in getting an additional shot and it's probably a more efficient thing to do than to get blood work to see if you're immune or not," said McGee.
But things can vary depending on your age.
"If you were born before 1957, you have nothing to worry about. You probably had the measles and therefore are immune due to natural immunity. If you were born before 1968, you may have gotten a vaccine that is not as effective so you probably want a new vaccine. If you were born before 1989, you probably didn't get two doses of the vaccine so you may want to get a second dose," said McGee.
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