By now, you may have heard about Measles Outbreaks in many parts of the United States.
We wanted to give you the facts about what you need to know.
I thought Measles had been eliminated?
In 2000, the CDC declared Measles eliminated in the United States. However, as visitors come to the US from other countries, they can bring diseases or reintroduce them. This is especially true from countries that do not have an aggressive vaccination program.
How contagious are the Measles?
The Measles are EXTREMELY CONTAGIOUS. In fact, if you have not been vaccinated and are exposed, there is a 90% chance you will contract the disease if you are exposed.
How dangerous are the Measles?
Measles can be VERY DANGEROUS, especially for babies and young children. From 2001-2013, 28% of children younger than 5 years old who had measles had to be treated in the hospital.For some children, measles can lead to:
- Pneumonia (a serious lung infection)
- Lifelong brain damage
- Deafness
- Death
Do I have to worry about my child if they have been vaccinated?
First, the likelihood of exposure is still extremely small. Through May 10th, 2019 there have been 839 confirmed individual cases in 23 states. However, large cities with highly mobile populations are at higher risk than smaller cities with very stable populations.
populations are at higher risk than smaller cities with very stable populations.
No vaccine is 100% effective, however, if your child received the first dose of the MMR vaccination, the effective rate is 93%. The second dose, typically given at age 4 increases that effectiveness to 97%.
What is the MMR vaccination?
MMR stands for Measles, Mumps, and Rubella. According to the CDC, having the 2 recommended doses is 97% effective for Measles and Rubella, and 88% effective for Mumps.
What are the side effects of vaccination?
Most children don’t have any side effects from the shot. The side effects that do occur are usually very mild, such as a fever, rash, soreness or swelling where the shot was given, or temporary pain and stiffness in the joints (mostly in teens and adults). More serious side effects are very rare.
If you are not sure, call us! Make sure your child is safe!
Vaccinations can be done in as little as 15 minutes with advance appointments!
