This summer, the U.S. is facing its worst measles outbreak in over 30 years, with more than 1,280 confirmed cases and several deaths—all among unvaccinated individuals. The outbreak is spreading in states like Texas, New Mexico, and California, as summer travel brings more exposure in public places.

 

As your pediatrician, I want to ensure you have the most current, trustworthy information to protect your children.

 

Why the MMR Vaccine Matters

Measles isn’t just a rash—it’s a serious, highly contagious virus that can lead to:

  • Pneumonia
  • Seizures
  • Brain swelling (encephalitis)
  • Hearing loss
  • Death, especially in children under 5

The virus spreads through coughing, sneezing, and even from surfaces where droplets linger for hours. If one person has measles, up to 90% of unvaccinated people nearby will also become infected. This can occur even if they enter a room where someone with measles had left two hours ago.

 

MMR Vaccine Schedule:

  • First dose: 12–15 months
  • Second dose: 4–6 years
    💡 Traveling internationally or to outbreak areas? Infants 6–11 months may receive an early MMR dose.

 

What Parents Can Do Right Now

✅ Check vaccine records
Call our office if you’re unsure whether your child is up to date.

✅ Practice good hygiene
Frequent handwashing and avoiding crowded indoor spaces help reduce spread.

✅ Monitor symptoms during travel
Watch for signs of illness, especially after flights or public events.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Measles

1. What are the symptoms of measles?

Symptoms usually appear 7–14 days after exposure:

  • High fever (often >101°F)
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
  • Koplik spots (tiny white spots inside the mouth)
  • A red, blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads downward

Children are contagious four days before the rash appears and four days after.

2. How effective is the MMR vaccine?

  • 1 dose: ~93% effective
  • 2 doses: ~97% effective

Breakthrough infections after full vaccination are rare and typically much milder.

3. Why are we seeing a measles outbreak now?

Note that in recent years there has been a decline in vaccination rates due to misinformation and vaccine hesitancy. According to the CDC’s National Immunization Survey, about 90.8% of U.S. children have received at least one MMR dose by age 2, and approximately 91.9% of adolescents (13–17 years) have had both doses. Kindergarten vaccination coverage (two doses) has fallen to around 92.7% nationwide—below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity. A post-COVID study from Johns Hopkins shows a drop from ~93.9% pre-pandemic to ~91.3% post-pandemic in county-level MMR coverage. For kindergartners in Palm Beach County, the MMR vaccination rate was about 91%. Unfortunately there is a legal loophole in the state of Florida that allows unvaccinated children to attend public schools with a “religious exemption.”

4. Is there any truth to the MMR vaccine causing autism?

No.
Decades of research involving millions of children have found no link between MMR and autism. The original 1998 study suggesting this was retracted and discredited, and the lead author lost his medical license.

🧠 Learn more about Vaccine Safety

5. Can vitamin A help with measles?

Yes—for certain children.

  • The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends vitamin A for children with measles in developing countries, especially where malnutrition is common.
  • In the U.S., vitamin A is not routinely needed unless the child is severely deficient or critically ill.
  • If hospitalized, vitamin A may be given to reduce complications like pneumonia or vision loss.

6. What should I do if my child is exposed to measles?

Call our office immediately if:

  • Your child is under 1 year old
  • Has not yet had two MMR doses
  • Has a weakened immune system

Options may include:

  • An MMR booster within 72 hours
  • Immune globulin for high-risk infants or immunocompromised patients

7. Is it safe to get the MMR vaccine during a measles outbreak?

Absolutely. The MMR vaccine is safe and can be administered even if there is ongoing exposure. It’s the best protection you can provide.

🧒 Parent Resources

🔗 CDC: Child & Adolescent Immunization Schedule
🔗 Measles Outbreak Tracker – The Guardian
🔗 Contemporary Pediatrics: Measles Update

 

 

A Final Word From Dr. Bergman

Our practice has seen a rise in measles concerns this summer, and we are here to guide you with evidence-based care. We have had zero measles cases in our practice – and we want to keep it that way. Vaccination is not just about protecting your child—it’s about protecting every vulnerable baby, pregnant person, and immune-compromised neighbor they may meet.

Call today to review your child’s immunization status. We’re happy to help.