What you need to know about Measles:

The CDC considers you protected if:

*You have had 2 doses of a mesasles containing vaccine and are school aged (grades K-12) or an adult in a high risk setting.

*You receive 1 dose of a measeles containing vaccine and you are preschool age

*An adult in a non-high risk setting

If planning to travel internationally:

*You should have at least 1 dose of the mesasles vaccine for kids 6-11 months and 2 doses for ages 12 months and older.

Do you never need a booster vaccine?

*No, 2 doses is protection for life

How effective is the vaccine?

According to the CDC, the vaccine is very effective.  Two doses is about 97% effective and 1 dose is about 93% effective.

How long does the vaccine take to work?

A person is usually considered protected 2-3 weeks after getting the vaccine

Where does the measles in the United States come from?

*Typically from traveler from any country where the disease still occurs

*Pockets of unvaccinated communites within the United States

Here are the top 4 things parents should know about measles:

1. Measles CAN be serious

              -Signs and symptoms include: High fever, runny nose, red watery eyes, rash(3-5 days after inital symptoms begin)

2.Measles IS contagious

       -It is spread through the air

3.Your child CAN still get the measles in the United States

4. You have the power to protect your child against the measles with a safe and effective vaccine