Do you need an MMR Booster?
Measles is a virus that causes high fever, rash, cough and congestion. The virus used to be very common. In the 1960s almost everyone contracted measles by the time they were 15 years old. With the development of a vaccine, rates of infection dropped significantly in the 1980s. By the year 2000, measles was declared eliminated from the United States.
This year, over 1000 cases of measles have been reported in the United States. As of May 31st, there have been no cases reported in Kansas, although there have been cases in 26 states, including Missouri, Oklahoma and Colorado.
Measles is highly contagious. It is spread through the air by sneezing or coughing. Symptoms of measles infection develop 7-14 days after exposure. This begins with high fever up to 104, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. 2-3 days after symptoms start you may notice white spots, called Koplik spots, inside the mouth. 3-5 days after the start of symptoms, a rash develops. The rash typically starts on the face near the hairline and spreads downward.
The best way to protect against measles is vaccination with MMR. The first dose of vaccine is given between 12 and 15 months old, with a second dose given between 4 and 6 years old. Additionally, any child 6-12 months of age travelling to a high risk area should receive a measles vaccine. The CDC also recommends that any adult that does not have proof of immunity receive at least one MMR vaccine. The CDC also recommends that anyone who received a vaccine between 1963 and 1967 receive an MMR booster as the vaccine during this time period was less effective.
If you think you may need a vaccine or if you have any questions, please give us a call!
Information provided from CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html