INFORMATION ON MEASLES

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control has recently changed its recommendations for measles vaccination in response to several measles outbreaks in the world, including within the United States. They are now recommending that infants 6-11 months of age receive an additional dose of either the measles-only vaccine or the combination measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine to provide extra protection. This recommendation is for all children traveling outside of the United States as well as for those currently residing overseas.

For children 12 months of age and over, the standard vaccine schedule still applies, which is a dose at age 12 months and a booster at age 4 years. If your child is 12 months of age and older and has received vaccines on the standard schedule, no action is required. Parents with infants 6-11 months of age should contact their doctor for information how to obtain this additional vaccination. Anyone who is unsure of their vaccine status or that of a member of their family should contact their doctor to confirm that they are up-to-date on vaccines or schedule catch-up doses of vaccine as indicated.