By now you probably know that NY has between 100 and 108 measles cases (the numbers vary here and there depending on where you look). Gov. Hochul has declared a state of emergency. There have been some online claims that this number is unprecedented. Not exactly. Here's what the record shows--per Google AI--and one of our readers cross-checked as a courtesy---for which your editor says thanks!
Past major outbreaks and other stuff
The 1990–1991 Outbreak (Over 4,500 cases): Then-Governor Mario Cuomo did not issue a statewide emergency declaration. Public health actions, hospital adjustments, and subsequent vaccination law changes were executed through standard health department directives rather than executive emergency powers.
The 2018–2019 Outbreak (Nearly 1,000 cases): Then-Governor Andrew Cuomo also chose not to declare a state-level emergency, leaving the emergency declarations and legal mandates to local leaders like the Rockland County Executive (Day) and the Mayor of New York City (DeBlasio).
Best option in this particular situation is vaccination. There's also some chatter that boomers MUST GET RE-VACCINATED. Again, not exactly---and here ya go--with appropriate citations:
1. Born Before 1957 (Presumed Immune)
If you were born before 1957, you do not need to get vaccinated. Measles was so incredibly common before this time that anyone born in this era is presumed to have contracted the virus naturally as a child, providing them with lifelong natural immunity. [1, 2, 3]
2. Vaccinated Between 1963 and 1967 (Action Needed)
This is where the "chatter" is accurate. If you were vaccinated between 1963 and 1967, you may have received an early version of the vaccine made from an inactivated (killed) virus. [1, 2] - The Problem: This specific version was later found to be ineffective and did not offer long-term protection.
- The Recommendation: The CDC recommends that anyone who received the killed vaccine (or is unsure of what type they received during these years) should get at least one dose of the modern live MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. [1, 2, 3, 4]
3. Vaccinated In 1968 or Later (Set for Life)
If you received a live measles vaccine in 1968 or later, you are considered fully protected.
Of course, you should do your own due diligence, consult the medical people and sources you trust, etc.
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