CDC draft tightens proof of HCW measles immunity
CDC draft tightens proof of HCW measles immunity
But some advisors question cost benefit
After a spate of measles cases and outbreaks in 2008, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is drafting a new recommendation that would tighten the criteria for measles immunity in health care workers. Under the proposal, only documentation of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccination or laboratory evidence of immunity would be considered evidence of immunity. That would eliminate documentation of physician-diagnosed disease and a birth date.
"High standards of immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella are appropriate for health care personnel," said Amy Parker, MSN, MPH, an epidemiologist in CDC's Division of Viral Diseases, in a presentation to the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee, an advisory board to CDC. "Health care personnel have a duty to protect themselves and their patients from diseases preventable by vaccine. The current permissive recommendations are confusing."
After a spate of measles cases and outbreaks in 2008, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is drafting a new recommendation that would tighten the criteria for measles immunity in health care workers.Subscribe Now for Access
You have reached your article limit for the month. We hope you found our articles both enjoyable and insightful. For information on new subscriptions, product trials, alternative billing arrangements or group and site discounts please call 800-688-2421. We look forward to having you as a long-term member of the Relias Media community.