weerapat / Depositphotos.com
GRAND ISLAND — As the number of measles cases continues to increase across several US states United States, Central District Health Department urges parents and guardians to check immunization records to be certain children have received two doses of MMR by age six.
The measles virus is highly contagious and most severely affects children. The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect against measles, as well as mumps and rubella.
Measles vaccination coverage has steadily declined in recent years. The child vaccination rate of measles in Nebraska is 93.9% as compared to 94.3% in Texas where the measles outbreak continues to grow. According to the CDC, “Community Herd Immunity” protection requires a 95% vaccination rate (95 out of 100 people to be vaccinated). About 3 out of 100 people who get two doses of MMR vaccine will still get measles if exposed to the virus. However, they are more likely to have a milder illness and are also less likely to spread the disease to other people.
CDC recommends children receive two doses, one given between 12-15 months with the second dose given between age 4-6 years. You do not need an MMR vaccine if:
- You have written documentation of adequate vaccination at least one dose of a measles, mumps, and rubella virus-containing vaccine administered on or after the first birthday for preschool-age children two doses of measles and mumps virus-containing vaccine for school-age children and adults at high risk for exposure and transmission, including college students, healthcare personnel, international travelers, and groups at increased risk during outbreaks
- You have laboratory confirmation of past infection, or had blood tests that show you are immune to measles, mumps, and rubella.
- You were born before 1957.
Healthy adults who are not at high risk for exposure and transmission do not need a booster.
There is no specific treatment for measles. Rest, fluids and fever reducers can provide symptom relief. Parents should consult the child’s healthcare provider before giving a sick child supplements such as Vitamin A or cod liver oil. Since measles is a viral infection, antibiotics should be reserved for eye or ear infections or pneumonia.
Vaccines, like any medicine, can have side effects. Most people who get MMR vaccine do not have any serious problems with it. Getting MMR vaccine is much safer than getting measles, mumps, or rubella.
For Questions, call CDHD at 308-385-5175 or visit our website at www.cdhd.ne.gov
