Giant pharmacies see rise in measles vaccine demand as cases climb

Pharmacies operated by Giant in Lancaster County have begun providing measles vaccinations to walk-in customers and by appointment as the number of cases rises, including four infections among people who were previously vaccinated. Pharmacist Abigail Basciano noted that daily demand has risen from one or two people per year to one to four people per day, and described the vaccination process as taking about 10 to 20 minutes.

Medical experts said a booster is generally unnecessary for individuals who have been vaccinated or who have previously had measles. Dr. Paul Offit of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia explained that measles immunity relies on long-lived memory cells rather than circulating antibodies, allowing the body to mount a rapid response even if antibody levels decline. He contrasted this with the need for annual flu shots, which target viruses that do not generate the same type of immune memory.

Immunity levels vary by age and vaccination history. People born in the 1950s are likely to have natural immunity from prior infection. Those who received a single dose of the measles vaccine between 1971 and 1989 have about a 93% chance of lasting protection, while individuals born after 1989 who received two doses have roughly a 97% chance of lifelong immunity.

"Virtually everybody who has gotten sick is unvaccinated. Fewer than 1% of those people who have gotten sick were vaccinated," Dr. Offit said, adding that breakthrough cases in vaccinated persons tend to be milder.

Pharmacist Basciano encouraged residents to ask questions about measles protection at the pharmacy, saying increased public interest in health is a positive development.

"A lot of people are concerned. And I think one good thing that can come of this is people are asking questions about their health and prioritizing their health," she said.