02/28/2025
Given the current measles outbreak in Texas and the number of families requesting early immunization, we are now offering early MMR vaccination to infants ages 6-12 months. Typically, the MMR vaccine is given at age 1 with a booster at age 4 years meaning that children less than age 1 year are not protected. We can give the MMR in instances of community outbreak or foreign travel as early as 6 months of age. Currently there is NOT an outbreak in North Texas and the health department has NOT indicated that early vaccination is necessary. Out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to offer early immunization to our patients should they desire it. Please note, however, that this is an optional immunization that will be cash pay and does not replace the MMR vaccine given at ages 1 and 4 years. A consultation with the physician will be scheduled for these visits.
For our older children, your child should have received a dose of the MMR at age 1 which would give them 93% protection. A second dose of the MMR is given at age 4 years yielding 97% protection. So we consider children >1 year protected. However, if your child is between the ages of 1 and 4 and has only received one dose of the MMR, we can give them a second dose early and it will count as their 4 year old dose. Please contact us to schedule a visit if you would like an early booster.
For children ages 4 years and up who have received two doses of the MMR, they are considered immune and do not need an additional booster.
If for any reason your child is greater than age one and has not received the MMR, please contact us immediately.
