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Measles outbreaks in the U.S. have increased sharply over the past two years. Although the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is effective and safe, it’s usually given at age 12 months. Due to rising cases, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has issued new guidance. “The recommendation for infants aged 6-11 months old living in those communities, traveling to those communities or traveling internationally is to receive a first dose of MMR,” said Ellen Fitzpatrick, M.D., a board-certified pediatrician at Pediatrix® Hospitalists of Nevada. “If the infant will be traveling, this should be done two weeks before the trip,” she said. Notably, this initial dose does not count toward the two-dose MMR requirement. “Your child should still be vaccinated at the 12–15-month-old time period and the 4–6-year period,” said Dr. Fitzpatrick. She recommended parents visit the AAP for more details or talk to their pediatrician or family medicine physician about what their options may be.
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