Fact Check: "Anyone born after 1970 with less than two vaccinations is at risk!"
What We Know
The claim suggests that individuals born after 1970 who have received fewer than two vaccinations for measles are at risk of contracting the disease. According to the CDC guidelines, individuals born after 1957 are considered protected from measles if they have received at least one dose of the measles-containing vaccine, provided they are not in a high-risk setting. However, for those in high-risk environments, such as healthcare settings or post-secondary education institutions, two doses are recommended to ensure adequate protection. The measles vaccine is reported to be approximately 93% effective after one dose and about 97% effective after two doses.
Furthermore, the history of vaccine development indicates that the measles vaccine was first introduced in 1963, and the combination vaccine for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) was developed in 1971. This means that individuals born after 1970 may have received one or two doses depending on their vaccination schedule and healthcare provider recommendations.
Analysis
While the claim is partially accurate, it lacks nuance. It correctly identifies that individuals born after 1970 who have received fewer than two vaccinations may be at risk, particularly if they are in high-risk environments. However, it overlooks the fact that one dose of the measles vaccine is sufficient for many individuals who are not in high-risk settings. The CDC states that adults who received one dose as children are generally considered protected unless they are in high-risk situations, where a second dose is advised (CDC).
Additionally, a report from NPR highlights that individuals vaccinated between 1968 and 1989 may have only received one dose, which could leave them vulnerable if they are in high-risk environments. This suggests that the risk is not uniformly applicable to all individuals born after 1970, as some may have adequate protection depending on their vaccination history and current health guidelines.
The sources used in this analysis are credible, with the CDC being a primary public health authority. However, the interpretation of the vaccination status and its implications can vary based on individual circumstances, such as health conditions and exposure risks.
Conclusion
The verdict is Partially True. The claim accurately reflects that individuals born after 1970 with fewer than two vaccinations may be at risk, particularly in high-risk settings. However, it fails to account for the fact that one dose may be sufficient for many individuals not in such environments. Therefore, while there is a basis for concern regarding vaccination status, the blanket statement does not apply universally to all individuals born after 1970.
