Measles Protection: Ensure Your Child Is Vaccinated
Measles Protection: Ensure Your Child Is Vaccinated
Health officials are tracking a concerning increase in measles cases across the United States. This highly contagious disease can lead to serious complications, but we have a safe and effective way to protect children through vaccination.
Understanding Measles
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known to medicine. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, the virus can stay in the air for up to two hours. If your child is not immune, they have a 90% chance of catching measles after exposure.
The disease starts with symptoms resembling a common cold—fever, runny nose, and red eyes. A few days later, a characteristic rash appears, starting on the face and spreading down the body. But measles is far more serious than just a rash.
Serious Complications
Measles can lead to severe health problems, especially in children under 5. About 1 in 5 unvaccinated children who get measles will need hospitalization. Complications include: ear infections that may lead to permanent hearing loss, pneumonia (the most common cause of death from measles), brain swelling (encephalitis) that can cause permanent brain damage, severe diarrhea and dehydration, and a rare but fatal condition called SSPE that can develop years after measles infection.
The MMR Vaccine: Safe and Highly Effective
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine provides excellent protection. Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles. Even if a vaccinated child does get measles, which is rare, the illness is usually much milder.
Children should receive: First dose at 12-15 months of age, and second dose at 4-6 years of age (before starting school). For families planning international travel, infants as young as 6 months can receive an early dose of MMR vaccine for protection.
Vaccine Safety
The MMR vaccine has been used safely for over 50 years and has been given to hundreds of millions of children worldwide. Extensive research has proven that MMR vaccine does not cause autism. This has been confirmed by numerous large-scale studies involving millions of children.
Common side effects are usually mild: soreness or redness at injection site, low-grade fever, and mild rash. Serious side effects are extremely rare, and the benefits far outweigh the minimal risks.
Who Is Most at Risk
The vast majority of measles cases occur in unvaccinated children. Children who cannot be vaccinated due to medical conditions (like certain immune system disorders) or those too young for vaccination depend on community immunity to stay protected. When vaccination rates drop below 95%, outbreaks can occur.
Protecting Your Community
When you vaccinate your child, you protect not only them but also vulnerable members of our community including infants too young for vaccination, children undergoing cancer treatment who cannot be vaccinated, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
What to Do If Exposed
If your unvaccinated child is exposed to measles, contact our office immediately. The MMR vaccine can provide some protection if given within 72 hours of exposure. Immune globulin may be recommended for infants and others who cannot be vaccinated.
Stay Informed
Measles remains a serious threat when vaccination rates decline. By keeping your child up to date on vaccinations, you're making the safest choice for their health and the health of our entire community.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should my child receive the measles vaccine?
The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella) is given in two doses: the first at 12-15 months and the second at 4-6 years. In outbreak situations or before international travel, infants 6-11 months can receive an early dose, but will still need the standard two-dose series.
How effective is the measles vaccine?
The MMR vaccine is highly effective. One dose is about 93% effective at preventing measles, and two doses are approximately 97% effective. The vaccine also provides long-lasting, likely lifelong protection for most people.
What are the symptoms of measles?
Measles begins with high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A characteristic red, blotchy rash appears 3-5 days later, starting on the face and spreading downward. Tiny white spots (Koplik spots) may appear inside the mouth before the rash.
Is measles really that dangerous?
Yes, measles can cause serious complications including pneumonia, brain inflammation (encephalitis), hearing loss, and death. About 1 in 5 unvaccinated people who get measles require hospitalization. Complications are most common in children under 5, adults over 20, and people with weakened immune systems.
Can my vaccinated child still get measles?
While rare, vaccinated individuals can get measles if exposed to the virus, but cases are typically much milder with fewer complications. This is why high vaccination rates in the community are important—they provide herd immunity to protect everyone, including those who can't be vaccinated.
What should I do if my child is exposed to measles?
Contact your pediatrician immediately if your child has been exposed to measles, especially if they're unvaccinated or too young for the vaccine. Post-exposure vaccination (within 72 hours) or immune globulin (within 6 days) may prevent or reduce severity of illness.
Need Personal Guidance?
This article provides general information. For questions specific to your child's health, please call our office or book an appointment online.