Washington health department urges measles vaccines amid nationwide outbreaks
According to the state health department, childhood immunization rates in Washington have dropped since the COVID-19 pandemic, risking an outbreak in local communities.
The measles outbreak in the United States has surpassed 800 confirmed cases in 24 states, with a fifth case reported in Washington state this week, according to the DOH.Now, the department is encouraging parents and caregivers to ensure their children are protected against the disease with two doses to the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. Adults are also urged to verify their own vaccination status online or with their health care provider.
'I'm worried that some data show that Washington kindergartners have lower rates of MMR coverage than Texas or New Mexico – both of which are struggling with a measles outbreak,' said Dr. Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett, DOH State Health Officer. 'Besides causing fever and rash, measles can sometimes cause life-threatening pneumonia and brain inflammation. The MMR vaccine is our best defense against measles, and we need to get more people up to date on vaccination to prevent a similar outbreak in Washington.'
According to DOH, children should receive their first dose of the MMR vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age, followed by a second dose between the ages of four and six.
Some measles cases have occurred in infants who were too young to receive the MMR vaccine and have traveled with their families to countries where there is a higher risk of measles, officials noted.
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DOH recommended that parents planning to travel with children six months to 11 months of age should ask their health care provider if an early dose of the MMR vaccine can be given to prevent infection during travel. They add that the dose must be given at least two weeks before departure for the best protection. From there, the infant will need to start the regular two-dose series between 12 and 15 months of age.
Adults with two documented doses of the MMR vaccine do not need additional doses, according to DOH, noting it's especially important for high-risk adults – including healthcare professionals, college students, people with Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or those prepping for international travel – to confirm they have received both MMR doses to be fully protected.
The warning from DOH comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declared measles was eliminated from the United States in 2020 because high vaccination rates stopped the spread of the disease, with cases only being contracted from abroad.
But officials warn a drop in vaccination rates in recent years is now helping measles spread across the U.S.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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