Has Your Child Received the MMR Vaccine…Two Times?
Child with a 4 Day Rash from Measles – Wikicommons
As you may be aware, the Center for Disease Control has reported an outbreak of measles in the U.S. that currently involves eleven states. Lynne Bauer, RN, and Director of Health Services for the School District of Superior asked Explore Superior to help provide some information about measles and how to prevent it.
According to Bauer, measles is the most deadly of all childhood rash/fever illnesses. It is “a serious infection that causes fever, cough, a rash, sore eyes, and occasionally dangerous complications.” She also warns that measles spreads very easily, and that it is important to protect against infection. It is her recommendation that all children be vaccinated, as this is the best way to prevent your child from getting measles.
To have the best protection against measles, children should get two doses of MMR vaccine. The first dose of vaccine is required between the age of 12 and 15 months. The second dose is required before entering school, and should take place between the ages of 4 and 6.
Bauer advises parents that “it is important for you to check your child’s immunization records to make sure he/she has received two doses of MMR vaccine.” Measles can spread easily to and from children who have not been immunized. In addition to being at risk for getting sick if exposed to measles, children with one or zero does of MMR will not be able to come to school for two weeks if exposed. If you believe that your child needs the MMR vaccine, she asks that you “call your health care provider or local health department.”
Click HERE to see a fact sheet about measles. Children who develop a rash with fever should not attend school, and parents should contact their doctor. Advise the clinic that you suspect your child may have measles BEFORE taking them in.
The Superior School District strongly recommends that you insure that your child has received two dose of the MMR vaccine. If you have question related to this, you are encouraged to contact Lynne Bauer, Director of Health with the District at (715) 394-8700, ext. 147.
