With the recent increase in measles cases, we want to provide important information to help answer your questions.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that causes fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash that spreads from the face downward. The best protection against measles is the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, which is highly protective—one dose provides 93% protection, and two doses provide over 97% protection and lifelong immunity in most people.
The MMR vaccine is routinely recommended at 12 months and again at 4-6 years of age. However, if there is a local outbreak or your child is traveling internationally, an extra early dose can be given as early as 6 months of age. This early dose provides additional protection but does not replace the routine schedule, so your child would still need the standard 2 doses after age 1.
If you’d like to check your child’s immunization status, you can log in to our patient portal or call our office, and we’d be happy to assist you.
For additional information about measles symptoms and prevention, please visit the CDC website and healthychildren.org
As always, we are here to support you and your family’s health. Please reach out if you have any concerns.
All the best,
The Doctors at West End Pediatrics