Here are some frequently asked measles questions and answers from the American Academy of Pediatrics. For more information, read the full article.
Q: My community doesn’t have an outbreak, should I get my baby vaccinated early?
A: If there is not measles circulating in your community, thanks to vaccines, the risk to your baby is low and there isn’t a need to get your baby vaccinated early.
Q: How soon can my baby get the measles vaccine?
A: The recommended age for the first does of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine is 12 to 15 months of age. Children should receive the second dose between 4 to 6 years of age.
Q: Can babies receive the MMR vaccine before they turn one?
A: If you live in a community experiencing an outbreak, or if your family is travelling internationally, your baby may be vaccinated as early as 6 months of age. Babies who get one dose before their first birthday will still need to get two more doses later.
Q: Why don’t babies get the MMR vaccine sooner?
A: Since the natural protection newborns get from their birth parent wears off gradually, the vaccine immune response may not work as well before age one. That’s why the MMR vaccine is recommended starting at 12 months of age. Not because it’s dangerous, but because that’s the age at which the vaccine works best.
Q: Beside vaccination, how can I protect my baby from measles?
A: Limit your baby’s exposure to crowds and anyone with a cold. Limit exposure to potential infections by disinfecting objects and surfaces in your home regularly. Feed your baby breastmilk if possible. Have everyone around the baby wash hands frequently.
Q: Should I get the measles vaccine if I’m pregnant?
A: Most people of child-bearing age have been vaccinated against measles and so they are protected. If a pregnant person was not previously vaccinated against measles, they cannot receive the MMR vaccine until after delivery.
Q: Do parents or grandparents need a booster MMR shot?
A: Anyone born before 1957 is generally considered immune to measles so no additional vaccination is necessary. And if you have had two doses of the MMR vaccine, you are protected for life. If you’re unsure about your vaccination status, there is no harm in getting another dose of the MMR vaccine.
Pediatricians are here to help answer your questions!
Talk to your pediatrician about measles and the MMR vaccine and make sure your children are protected by getting them vaccinated. The MMR vaccine is the only way to prevent measles.