New measles vaccine guidance permits MMR for some infants
Apr. 15—LIMA — Infants who are exposed to measles before they are old enough for vaccination may get vaccinated early, according to new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The CDC now recommends children as young as six months old who have been exposed to measles through travel to a community with an active measles outbreak may be vaccinated for measles, mumps and rubella.
Allen County Public Health confirmed the county's first measles case in an unvaccinated resident under the age of 18 on March 28 — the first case reported in Allen County in at least 25 years.
Health Commissioner Brandon Fischer said Allen County is not considered to be part of an active outbreak, as the health department has not confirmed any additional cases as of Tuesday afternoon.
"That speaks to how well vaccination ... provided protection" for people exposed to measles, Fischer said.
The updated guidance only applies to children who are too young for their first dose of the MMR vaccine who have traveled to a community with an active measles outbreak.
Infants are most at risk for severe illness from measles, but their immune systems are not fully responsive to the MMR vaccine, which is why the CDC recommends children obtain their first dose of the MMR vaccine between the ages of 12 and 15 months, Fischer said.
Children should get their second dose of the MMR vaccine before they enter kindergarten, typically between the ages of 4 to 6 years old, to further boost their immune system.
One dose of the MMR vaccine provides 93% protection, while two doses of the vaccine is 97% effective at preventing measles.
Fischer said children who obtain their MMR vaccine before their first birthday should still follow the normal vaccine schedule between 12 to 15 months and 4 to 6 years old for full protection.
The highly contagious virus was once believed to be eliminated from the U.S., but declining immunization rates have led to a resurgence of measles.
Health officials have confirmed more than 700 measles cases in the U.S. this year, with the largest outbreaks concentrated in West Texas and New Mexico.
Smaller outbreaks are confirmed in Kansas, Oklahoma, Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania, with the nearest outbreaks located in Allen County, Indiana, and Knox County, Ohio. Isolated cases are being investigated in a dozen other states.
Nearly 60 people have been hospitalized and two children have died.
The virus is particularly dangerous to unvaccinated children: Nine out of 10 unvaccinated children who are exposed to the virus will become infected, while one in five children who contract measles will be hospitalized with complications like pneumonia, dehydration or brain swelling.
The vaccine can be administered within 72 hours of exposure to prevent illness or complications, and is available for adults born after 1957 who are unvaccinated or do not know their vaccination status.
Measles symptoms typically develop within 21 days of exposure and include high fever, cough, nasal congestion, watery eyes and a rash beginning three to five days after other symptoms.
The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is available at retail pharmacies, doctor's offices or at Allen County Public Health by appointment prior to or within 72 hours of exposure. Call 419-228-4457 to schedule.
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