People born 1957 to 1989 could be at risk for measles

If you were born between 1957 and 1989, you’re at risk of measles. And Florida is one of 19 states part of a measles outbreak.

A new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report shows people who only received one vaccination for measles are not fully protected.

It’s a very frightening thing to have to talk about,” Suzane Pellar said.

Since measles is viral and can spread through the air from person to person, those with only one shot of the vaccine could be in real danger.

Pellar lives in Estero. Her son was born in 1973, so he falls within the time frame for people vulnerable to the new outbreak.

People born before 1957 were exposed to the measles, so they’re considered immune. However, between 1957 and 1989, the vaccine people got was not as strong as those after 1989. Children born after have stronger immunity.

“Some of my older children fall in that date range, so they will have to now take a look at that,” Kyle Jorgenson said.

Jorgenson is also affected. She was born in 1966.

“I’ll be talking to my doctor about getting re-vaccinated,” Jorgenson said.

T.J. Depaola, president at Cypress Pharmacy, said this isn’t something to be ignored.

“The risk with measles is very high,” Depaola said.

The CDC changed its recommendation on the vaccine from one shot before 1989 to two shots after.

“I think it would be best to talk to your doctor, and make sure they’re all up to date,” Depaola said.

That’s something Jorgenson and Pellar say they will do for themselves and their children.

“This is serious, and it needs to be addressed before it becomes an epidemic,” Pellar said.