University Medical Center physicians spoke about vaccines and other health topics during a September Mini Medical School presentation to members of The University of Alabama’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.
Drs. Jane and Tom Weida, family medicine physicians at UMC, led the “Ask the Docs” session, which allowed OLLI members to ask health-related questions. Mini Medical School is a UMC partnership with OLLI that presents lectures by UMC providers. The lectures are also open to the public.
Measles, once considered eradicated in the United States but which has recently resurged, prompted several questions from OLLI members. Measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause serious health complications, including pneumonia and hospitalization, and can even be fatal. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose and a rash.
So far this year, 1,431 cases of measles have been reported in the United States, mostly among unvaccinated individuals.
Jane Weida, who stressed the importance of vaccination, noted that a fraudulent article falsely linking the measles vaccine to autism has fueled hesitancy despite research disproving the claim.
“Measles is highly contagious, spreading through the air and remaining infectious for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room,” she said. “Individuals born before 1957 are generally considered immune, while those born later should consult their health-care provider about vaccination needs.”
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends one or two doses of the measles vaccine. One dose is about 93% effective, and two doses are about 97% effective.
The Weidas also talked about flu and COVID-19 vaccines. While vaccines may not prevent people from getting the viruses, they reduce the severity of illness and the risk of hospitalization, the Weidas said.
“Flu shots are recommended for everyone, especially those over 65,” said Tom Weida, who is also chief medical officer for UMC. “COVID-19 vaccine recommendations have changed, with the CDC primarily recommending (the vaccine) for those over 65 (as well as those under the age of 65) with medical complications.”
He added that people should generally wait about three months after having COVID-19 before receiving a vaccine booster.