Measles infecting before vaccination age, how to protect infants
The first dose of the measles vaccine is administered after a child reaches nine months of age. Recently, however, infants younger than nine months have also been contracting measles, increasing concern. Rafia Alam reports after speaking with Kakali Halder, assistant professor in the Department of Microbiology at Dhaka Medical College, and Tasnuva Khan, pediatric specialist and assistant professor at Srinagar upazila Health Complex in Munshiganj.
Under the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), all children across the country receive two doses of the measles vaccine.
The first dose is not usually administered before nine months of age, while the second dose is given at 15 months.
Infants of very young age have comparatively weaker immune systems. At this stage, infections such as measles can lead to severe complications. Therefore, vigilance is essential.
Why measles vaccine is not given before 9 months
When a person receives the measles vaccine or has previously been infected with the virus, their body produces antibodies capable of preventing future infection.
If a mother has these antibodies, they are transferred to the foetus during pregnancy.
After birth, these maternal antibodies protect the infant from measles for several months.
However, if the measles vaccine is administered during this period, the maternal antibodies may neutralise the vaccine, rendering it ineffective.
As a result, the child may remain at risk of measles later in life. For this reason, the vaccine is administered only after the child reaches nine months of age.
Why infection can still occur
During outbreaks, some infants under nine months may still contract measles due to several factors:
Not all mothers have received the full course of the measles vaccine or have been previously infected, meaning they may not possess sufficient antibodies.
Even when vaccinated, some individuals may not develop adequate antibody levels. Consequently, not all infants receive sufficient antibodies from their mothers.
The duration for which maternal antibodies remain in an infant’s body varies and cannot be guaranteed for all children.
A deficiency of Vitamin A weakens the immune system significantly. Malnutrition and failure to provide Vitamin A supplementation as recommended can increase the risk of infections, including measles.
How to protect young infants
To protect infants under nine months during such outbreaks, the following precautions should be observed:
Wash hands thoroughly with soap or use hand sanitiser before touching the infant or any items used by the infant.
Avoid taking the infant outside the home unless absolutely necessary.
If any household member develops fever or rash, isolate them in a separate room. If they must enter the infant’s room, they should wear a mask.
Continue breastfeeding according to recommended guidelines. After six months, introduce complementary foods rich in Vitamin A along with other nutritious foods.
Administer Vitamin A capsules according to the child’s age and dosage, following advice from a qualified physician.
Vaccination may still be required
Depending on the local outbreak situation, public health specialists may recommend administering the measles vaccine before nine months of age in certain areas.
Women who may become pregnant and have not received both doses of the measles vaccine, or who have no history of measles infection, should be vaccinated.
After vaccination, they should plan pregnancy in consultation with a physician to ensure the child’s safety.
What to do if symptoms appear
If symptoms of measles appear, isolate the infant from other children and seek advice from a pediatric specialist without delay.
It is important to note that even common medicines such as paracetamol should not be administered to infants without knowing the correct dosage. Do not discontinue breastfeeding.
If symptoms such as diarrhoea, persistent vomiting, ear discharge (pus or fluid), breathing difficulties, convulsions, or unusual lethargy occur, seek hospital care immediately.