Guidance for the measles outbreak

We appreciate the varied concerns about the recent outbreak of measles in the United States.  Vaccination remains a validated, highly effective and safe way to prevent infection and limit spread.  

Currently, we recommend all children get their first Measles vaccination at their scheduled 12 month well child check.  Routinely, a second dose is given between the ages of 4 to 6 years.  Unless your child will be traveling to certain international locations or going directly to a community with a known outbreak, no change in this schedule is necessary.  One dose of Measles vaccines gives approximately 93% immunity and two doses gives about 97% immunity.  Immunity is considered lifelong for your child and no extra doses are necessary when this schedule is followed.  Parents who have been properly immunized do not need to be tested for immunity.

Questions have arisen about early boosting.  A  child can be given their second dose of measles vaccine 4 weeks after the first MMR vaccine or 3 months after the first MMRV vaccine.  This is not our routine recommendation at this time and we will adjust this recommendation based on outbreak information and public health guidance. 

Early MMR vaccination between 6 and 11 months is reserved for certain international travellers or traveling directly to areas of known outbreak.  Please make an appointment with your provider if you feel you meet the criteria for early dosing.

 Vitamin A supplementation is not a substitution for the Measles vaccination.  This information about vitamin A usage during the current measles outbreak is circulating out of context.  Vitamin A toxicity is a real concern for children and we do not recommend hypersupplementation.  Appropriate use of any of the over the counter multivitamins labeled for children is safe if parents would like to use them.

 The AAP has a great resource with more information at this link.