Children in the United States still get vaccine-preventable diseases. For example, so far in 2015, more than 100 people across the country have been reported to have measles—a very contagious disease!
Measles can spread through the air when individuals cough or sneeze. It is so contagious that if one person has it, 9 out of 10 people around him or her will also become infected if they are not protected. An infected person can spread measles to others even before knowing he or she has measles—up to four days before the telltale measles rash appears.
Children younger than 5 years old are at risk for a serious case of measles if they get it. Keep your children up to date on their vaccines. That means make sure they get their first dose of the measles –mumps–rubella (MMR) vaccine at age 12 through 15 months, and a second dose at 4 through 6 years old.
Some children are too young to be protected by vaccination. For example, children younger than 6 months of age cannot get the MMR vaccine. Others may not be able to receive certain vaccinations due to severe allergies, weakened immune systems from conditions like leukemia, or other reasons.
To help keep everyone safe, it is important that you and your children who are able to get vaccinated are fully immunized. This not only protects your family, but also helps prevent the spread of these diseases to your child’s friends at school or play.
For more information on the importance of infant immunization, visit http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines