A Message from Dr. Peter Liber Regarding the Measles

A Message from Dr. Peter Liber Regarding the Measles

At Wheaton Pediatrics we are following the CDC guidelines for measles immunization. The first dose of MMR is given at 12 months of age and the second is given between 4 and 6 years of age. At this time the extremely low number of cases locally do not warrant a change in vaccine policy. If the circumstances change our advice may change so please check our website for further updates.

Measles can be prevented with MMR vaccine. Measles vaccine is not available alone but in combination with Rubella and Mumps vaccine. One dose of MMR is 93% - 98% effective in preventing Measles and 2 doses of MMR vaccine are 97% - 98% effective in preventing this disease. At this time there is no recommendation to receive Measles vaccine earlier than regularly scheduled. Children too young to be immunized should avoid exposure to unimmunized persons as much as possible. Please see the website of the CDC at CDC.gov for additional information about Measles.

Measles is an acute viral respiratory illness. The early symptoms are fever, conjunctivitis, cough and fatigue followed by a raised red rash that starts at the head and travels to the trunk and then the legs. The incubation is 7-21 days after exposure. It is contagious from 4 days prior to 4 days after breaking out in a rash.