What is the primary concern for personnel working with nonhuman primates in regards to vaccination?

The primary concern for personnel working with nonhuman primates in terms of vaccination is measles. Nonhuman primates, particularly species like macaques, can be susceptible to human pathogens, and measles is one of the most significant zoonotic diseases that can be transmitted from humans to nonhuman primates. This disease can lead to severe illness and high mortality rates among primates. For this reason, it is crucial for personnel to be vaccinated against measles to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to these animals and to protect both their health and the health of the primates in their care.

Infection control and preventive medicine are cornerstones of working with laboratory animals, especially nonhuman primates, which are more closely related to humans and thus at higher risk of sharing infectious diseases. Ensuring that personnel are vaccinated against measles is part of maintaining a safe working environment and promoting the welfare of the animals in a laboratory setting.