03/22/2024
Measles! 😱 There is an outbreak of measles in the US. We have not heard of cases in VT, but we can all do our part to protect our community. Measles is so contagious! Read on for symptoms and how to protect your family and community. If you are planning international travel see below for who qualifies for an early measles vaccine.
What is measles and why is it dangerous?
🤒 Measles causes high fever, cough, congestion, red and watery eyes and a rash 3-5 days into symptoms
👧🏾 Kids under 5 are at more risk from complications
🏥 Measles can lead to hospitalization, ear infections, pneumonia, premature birth, swelling of the brain, deafness, and death
What makes measles so contagious?
🦠 The virus can linger in the air for 2 hours
🤏 You can become infected if you touch a surface with virus and then touch your mouth, eyes or nose
😷 Infected people can spread measles for up to 4 days before and 4 days after development of the rash
What can I do to protect my child and community?
💉 The measles, mumps, rubella vaccine, MMR, is given at 12 months and 4 years. 1 dose is 93% effective and 2 doses is 97% effective
🤰 Vaccinated moms pass antibodies to the newborn that can last for several months and offer protection to the baby
↗️ Encourage others to get vaccinated. Goal is that >95% of the population is vaccinated to provide protection to those who cannot be vaccinated and those at high risk. This is called herd immunity.
😷 If your child is exposed to measles call our office. Your child may be eligible for post exposure MMR vaccine depending on their age and vaccination status.
✈️ If your child is 6-11 months and you are traveling internationally we recommend that your child get the MMR vaccine at least 2 weeks before travel. Your child will then get the routine MMR series at 1 and 4.
🧳 If your child has only received 1 dose of MMR and you are traveling internationally we recommend that your child get the 2nd MMR vaccine at least 2 weeks before travel. This will count as their 2nd and final vaccination. This second vaccine must be 28 days after the first dose.
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