The Measles Outbreak
The recent outbreak of measles in the United States should give us all pause to consider the importance of getting immunizations for our children and ourselves. For most patients, measles, or rubeola, is a fairly benign illness, characterized by fever, runny nose, cough, sore throat, redness of the eyes and a rash consisting of small red dots that starts around the face and then spreads to the arms, trunk and legs. These signs and symptoms begin 10 to 14 days after exposure to the highly contagious measles virus, which is spread through the air by coughing and sneezing. Unfortunately, a small percent of those with measles may experience more serious complications, including, ear infection, pneumonia, encephalitis and low platelet count and that is why it is so important to have your children vaccinated.
One of the Greatest Public Health Achievements
Since the English physician, Edward Jenner, pioneered the first vaccine (against small pox) in 1796, immunizations have proven to be one of the greatest public health achievements throughout history. Anyone who lived through the polio epidemic of the early 1950s can appreciate the importance of vaccinations. Fortunately, there are now time-tested vaccines against many infections which formerly caused significant morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Unless there is a specific medical contraindication to getting immunized, it is wise to follow your physician’s advice regarding vaccinations and to have them administered in accordance with the recommended schedule.
Recommended Measles Immunization Schedule
For children, the measles vaccine is administered as the MMR or measles, mumps, rubella vaccine in two doses. The first is given between 12 to 15 months of age and the second before the start of kindergarten at 4 to 6 years of age. For questions regarding vaccines, consult your health care provider and explore the links below for more information.
For More Information:
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Vaccine Education Center