There has been a record-breaking number of measles cases in the U.S. this year in comparison to year’s past. Thankfully, Atlanta and the surrounding community has not had an epidemic of cases. There have been sporadic and localized cases here in Atlanta in non-immunized families.
MMR is a 2-dose vaccine with the first dose given between 12-15 months and a booster dose at 4 years of age. 1 dose of the vaccine gives you 92% protection and 2 doses up to 97% protection. We have traditionally given the first MMR at 15 months to assure that the first dose is not given prior to the child turning 1, thus making the dose invalid in their shot record. Considering an uptick in cases, we have decided to move the MMR vaccine to the 12 months well visit to cover at-risk children who are old enough to obtain the vaccine.
Children older than 15 months have received an MMR vaccine at their 15 month well visit and do not need the 2nd dose until their 4-year checkup.
If your child is 6-12 months and you are traveling to an endemic area where there are a large reported number of measles cases or internationally traveling, we would suggest calling our office to discuss if your child would benefit from the MMR vaccine. Please keep in mind, your child would still need an additional 2 doses of MMR at 12-15 months and at 4 years.
If your child is less than 6 months old, he/she is too young to obtain the MMR vaccine and has protection from in-utero transmission of maternal antibodies.
Our staff, nurses, and physicians are up to date on the measles vaccine in an effort to ensure the health and wellbeing of our patients and ourselves.
