What You Should Know About Measles and the Measles Vaccine
What Does the Expanding Measles Outbreak in the United States Mean?
On March 7, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to notify public health officials, healthcare clinicians and travelers about a measles outbreak beginning in the Southwest U.S. but spreading to other areas, offering guidance for prevention and monitoring.
Dr. Kris Deeter, Chair of Pediatrics for the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and Physician-in-Chief for Renown Children’s Hospital, reminds everyone that immunization is safe and the best protection for you and your children against measles and other potentially deadly diseases. “We now have confirmation that measles cases are increasing across the country and the world. This is a preventable disease. We must act now to protect our children and community,” said Kristina Deeter, MD, MBA, FAAP.
Measles Information
The Best Protection Against Measles is the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
Vaccination is important for children and adults and is proven to be safe and effective at preventing measles, mumps and rubella as well as serious diseases caused by the virus. Vaccination also limits the size, duration and spread of outbreaks. Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk. Learn more about vaccination options below.
The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which includes two doses, is 97% effective at preventing measles and ensuring immunity for life. Two vaccines, M-M-R II and PRIORIX are available in the U.S. and are considered interchangeable.
- The first is given to children 12-15 months old, and a second dose is given to those 4-6 years old. Learn more about the MMR vaccine recommendation by age here.
- People born before 1957 are considered to have “presumptive evidence” of immunity, because nearly everyone born during this period got the disease during childhood. But health-care workers born before 1957 who don’t have proof of immunity should consider getting the vaccine.
- Older children, adolescents, and adults born after 1957 should get at least one MMR shot if they have never had the measles or been vaccinated for the disease (or aren’t sure if they have)—that is, if they don’t have written documentation or other proof of immunity, according to the CDC. Among these individuals, certain groups should get two MMR shots at least 28 days apart; this includes people at high risk for exposure, including students at post-secondary institutions, health-care workers, international travelers, and women of childbearing age before they become pregnant.
- The MMRV vaccine is a combination of measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox) vaccines for children 12 months through 12 years of age. Most people who are vaccinated with MMRV will be protected for life.
- Discuss with your healthcare provider whether the MMRV vaccine is an option for your or your children as it may be given at the same time as other vaccinations. In some cases, a healthcare provider may recommend separate MMR and varicella vaccines. Learn more about MMRV vaccination recommendations by age here.
“Measles vaccination doesn’t just protect children—it safeguards our entire community,” said Nancy Diao, ScD, Division Director of Epidemiology and Public Health Preparedness at Northern Nevada Public Health.
Where to Obtain Measles Vaccination
- Northern Nevada Public Health Immunization Clinic
- Offers low-cost vaccines for uninsured individuals
- Location: 1001 E. 9th St. Building B, Reno
- Appointment line: 775-328-2402
- Renown Pharmacy
- Provides measles vaccinations for Hometown Health, Senior Care Plus and other in-network plans
- Appointments available through MyChart
- Sign up for a free MyChart account here
- Call 775-982-7737 for more information
- Local Pharmacies & Healthcare Providers
- Check with your healthcare provider, health insurance, or local health department for additional options
How to Confirm if You are Vaccinated Against Measles
In most cases, you can check your medical record for vaccines administered by the doctor or clinic where MMR or MMRV vaccines were given to determine if you or your child have measles immunity. Renown patients can access their immunization records in MyChart under the Immunizations section or by searching 'Immunization' or 'Vaccination.'
Use this guide from the CDC for helpful information on finding your immunization records and what to do if you are having trouble locating your vaccination status.
Myth Debunked: No Proven Link Between MMR Vaccine and Autism
The CDC reports that signs of autism may appear around the same time children receive the MMR vaccine, which has led to concerns about a potential link between the immunization and autism. However, based on numerous rigorous studies involving thousands of children—both vaccinated and unvaccinated—experts from the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics have definitively concluded that the MMR vaccine is not responsible for increases in the number of children with autism.
Furthermore, both a report by the Institute of Medicine in 2004 and an independent literature review by the Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety in 2002 found no evidence linking the MMR vaccine to autism. Learn more about vaccine safety here, including common side effects and other safety data.
What Is Measles?
Measles, also called Rubeola, is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus that can lead to complications at any age. However, serious complications are more likely to impact people at greater risk, such as babies, young children, pregnant women, the unvaccinated and people with weakened immune systems. A healthcare provider can identify measles through laboratory testing.
Due to the high rate of vaccinations in the United States, the CDC declared measles eliminated in the U.S. in 2000. However, measles is still common worldwide and is often spread to the United States by unvaccinated travelers.
How are Measles Signs and Symptoms Spotted?
The first symptoms of a measles infection are usually a cough, runny nose, fever and red eyes. Kids also may have Koplik's spots (small red spots with blue-white centers) inside the mouth before the rash starts.
A rash, usually beginning as flat red spots on the forehead, breaks out 3–5 days after symptoms start, sometimes along with a high fever up to 104°F (40°C). The rash then spreads to the rest of the face, then down the neck and torso to the arms, legs, and feet.
Learn more about measles signs and symptoms here.
How Does Measles Spread and What to Do if Measles are Suspected?
According to Mavel Gutierrez, MD, a pediatric infectious disease expert with Renown Children’s Hospital, measles can spread by:
- An infected person who coughs or sneezes into the air. Others can catch the disease by breathing in the virus or touching an infected surface and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.
- A person can get measles just by entering a room that an infected person visited up to two hours before.
“Measles is highly contagious. If one person has it, 9 out of 10 people nearby may become infected if they are not protected,” says Dr. Gutierrez.
If you suspect you or your child have measles, contact your doctor or healthcare provider immediately before going to any urgent care or emergency room to inform them of your concerns. By notifying your healthcare provider beforehand, you help prevent the highly contagious virus and may be guided to take necessary precautions, such as coming in at a designated time or isolating upon arrival.
Now is the Time to Enroll Your Child with a Renown Children’s Pediatrician
You can now schedule a new patient appointment 24/7 from your computer or cell phone, with no need to call. New appointments are available with Renown Children’s pediatricians.
With Renown’s new online scheduling feature, you can now book pediatric primary care appointments without making a phone call to the office. Our dedicated team of pediatricians offer a full range of services—including annual checkups, complete physicals, immunizations, lab work, and referrals to specialists—at multiple locations across northern Nevada.