Measles (continued...)

As the CDC states:

"These cases remind us that it is important to vaccinate children and adults to protect them against measles. Even though the ongoing transmission of measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, the disease is still common in other parts of the world and can be imported into the U.S. from many countries, including countries in Europe. Worldwide, 20 million cases of measles still occur each year, and the disease is a significant cause of vaccine-preventable death among children. In 2005, 311,000 children under age 5 died from the disease."

All children should receive two doses of MMR vaccine. The first dose is recommended at 12–15 months of age and the second dose at 4–6 years of age.  Children who have received their age-appropriate immunizations are at extremely low risk to contract the virus.   If your child is under the age of 12 months, the health department and CDC are not recommending early immunization unless they are exposed to a patient with suspected measles.  

We will notify you if recommendations change.  Please call with any questions or concerns.  

Helpful link:  http://www.cdc.gov/Features/MeaslesUpdate/

About measles:  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/measles/DS00331