New Jersey Office of EMS Offers Measles Guidance for First Responders

The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) has received numerous inquiries regarding precautions that should be taken by first responders when evaluating and transporting persons with suspected measles infections. In light of recent measles cases/exposures and ongoing measles outbreaks in New Jersey and surrounding communities, the Department has updated recommendations for first responders, particularly those providing Emergency Medical Services care. In addition to routine infection prevention practices including standard precautions, NJDOH recommends the following:   1. Vaccination All first responders should have documented evidence of immunity to measles. Entities responsible for first responders may want to review their current policies regarding documentation of immunity for staff, including volunteers. This information should be documented and readily available at the work location.  Presumptive evidence of immunity to measles for first responders includes any of the following: * Written documentation of vaccination with 2 valid doses of live measles or MMR vaccine administered at least 28 days apart * Laboratory evidence of immunity (equivocal IgG results should be considered negative) * Laboratory confirmation of disease First responders born before 1957 who lack laboratory evidence (e.g., blood test) of immunity or laboratory confirmation of previous disease should be vaccinated with 2 doses of MMR vaccine at the appropriate interval. 2. Protective E...
Source: JEMS: Journal of Emergency Medical Services News - Category: Emergency Medicine Tags: News Patient Care Source Type: news