Measles FAQ
Measles FAQ:
1. My child had the measles vaccine series. Does my child need another?
Measles vaccines are usually given at 1 year and 4 years old. If your child had two MMR vaccines, your child does not need another MMR vaccine, even during an outbreak.
2. My child has only had one measles vaccine. Should my child get the second shot now?
One dose provides 93% protection. So if your child had the first vaccine, your child is sufficiently protected and can get the second dose at the 4 year old visit.
3. My child is under 1 year old and has not received the measles vaccine. Should my child receive a measles vaccine now?
Our area is currently not considered a high risk area. Most babies can wait until the 1 year visit to be vaccinated.
4. We are traveling to a high risk area. Should my child receive a measles vaccine?
The AAP and CDC recommend measles vaccination prior to international travel and travel to high risk areas. Right now, high risk areas include certain regions in Texas and New Mexico.
-If your child has already had two MMR shots, your child does not need another dose.
-If your child has had one MMR shot, your child has sufficient protection and can wait until the next well visit for a second shot.
-If your child is over 6 months old and has not yet had the MMR shot, your child can receive the vaccine before the first birthday but it will not count toward the routine series and will still need two shots after 1 year old. Ideally the shot is given at least two weeks prior to travel. Most of the time, this dose can be given during a routine visit. Please call our nurses to schedule a vaccine appointment if you do not already have an appointment 925-438-1100, option 3
-If your child is under 6 months old, your child is too young to receive MMR vaccine.
5. When should I worry that my child has measles?
Usually there is a known exposure to measles since the disease is rare in the US. Measles presents with fever and rash at the same time. The rash usually starts in the face and spreads down to the trunk. The child will be lethargic and have cold symptoms such as cough and congestion and red eyes. If your child may have been exposed to someone with measles and has these symptoms, please call. Our doctors will see the child outside the office to prevent further spread. If your child is very sick, go to the ER.
1. My child had the measles vaccine series. Does my child need another?
Measles vaccines are usually given at 1 year and 4 years old. If your child had two MMR vaccines, your child does not need another MMR vaccine, even during an outbreak.
2. My child has only had one measles vaccine. Should my child get the second shot now?
One dose provides 93% protection. So if your child had the first vaccine, your child is sufficiently protected and can get the second dose at the 4 year old visit.
3. My child is under 1 year old and has not received the measles vaccine. Should my child receive a measles vaccine now?
Our area is currently not considered a high risk area. Most babies can wait until the 1 year visit to be vaccinated.
4. We are traveling to a high risk area. Should my child receive a measles vaccine?
The AAP and CDC recommend measles vaccination prior to international travel and travel to high risk areas. Right now, high risk areas include certain regions in Texas and New Mexico.
-If your child has already had two MMR shots, your child does not need another dose.
-If your child has had one MMR shot, your child has sufficient protection and can wait until the next well visit for a second shot.
-If your child is over 6 months old and has not yet had the MMR shot, your child can receive the vaccine before the first birthday but it will not count toward the routine series and will still need two shots after 1 year old. Ideally the shot is given at least two weeks prior to travel. Most of the time, this dose can be given during a routine visit. Please call our nurses to schedule a vaccine appointment if you do not already have an appointment 925-438-1100, option 3
-If your child is under 6 months old, your child is too young to receive MMR vaccine.
5. When should I worry that my child has measles?
Usually there is a known exposure to measles since the disease is rare in the US. Measles presents with fever and rash at the same time. The rash usually starts in the face and spreads down to the trunk. The child will be lethargic and have cold symptoms such as cough and congestion and red eyes. If your child may have been exposed to someone with measles and has these symptoms, please call. Our doctors will see the child outside the office to prevent further spread. If your child is very sick, go to the ER.
