Get Vaccines to Prevent Measles — Acme Corp Wellness

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus. Coughs and sneezes spread the virus through the air. Measles can also spread from the droplets that land on surfaces you touch.

Measles starts with a high fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and sore throat. A rash that spreads all over the body follows. This serious disease can have serious health consequences, especially in children younger than 5 years of age. Common complications include ear infections and diarrhea. Serious complication include pneumonia and encephalitis (brain swelling).

Why the Rise in Measles?

The majority of the people who got measles did not receive vaccines.
Measles is still common in many parts of the world including some countries in Europe, Asia, the Pacific, and Africa.
Travelers with measles continue to bring the disease into the U.S.

Guidelines for Measles Vaccines

Children should get 2 doses of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine:

First Dose: 12-15 months of age. Some infants between the ages of 6 and 11 months should get a dose of MMR if they are traveling out of the country.
Second Dose: 4-6 years of age
If not given at these times, a two-dose series is needed for all school-age children and adolescents.

Adults should also get the MMR vaccine if they haven’t had 2 doses of the MMR vaccine or if they’re unsure about their vaccine status.