You’ve got your child’s backpack, lunchbox, and new school clothes ready. But what about their Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine?
Nothing starts a new school year off better than being up–to-date on vaccinations. Vaccination doesn’t only offer a school year of protection, but a lifetime.
The MMR vaccine, which protects against three diseases (measles, mumps, and rubella), offers excellent protection. Two doses are 97% effective at preventing measles. One dose is about 93% effective.
Children need two doses of MMR vaccine: the first dose at 12 months and the second dose sometime between the ages of 4 and 6. The second dose can be given earlier, as long as it’s been at least 28 days after the first dose. An earlier dose can be given to kids 6 months to 11 months before they travel internationally, but they will end up needing a total of three doses.
For over 50 years, the MMR vaccine has been safely given to millions of people. Vaccines go through careful testing and continuous monitoring for safety. The only proven effective method to prevent measles infection is vaccination.
Measles is no joke. It’s one of the most contagious infectious diseases known. It's so contagious that if one person has it, 9 out of 10 people nearby will also become infected if they are not protected through vaccination or previous measles infection. Measles spreads easily through the air by coughing and sneezing. According to the CDC, it can live on surfaces and stay in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. Measles is especially dangerous for young children, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems. There is no specific treatment for measles, only supportive care.
This year, the U.S. has seen the highest number of measles cases in 30 years, according to the CDC. It came back due to declining rates of immunization. Now’s the time to make sure that you and the people you love are fully protected.
If your child was vaccinated in Washington state, you can check their vaccination records in the Washington state immunization registry. Visit MyIR Mobile to view records for yourself and your family members. You can also check your vaccination records with your primary care provider.
If your child has not yet had an MMR vaccine, schedule an appointment to get vaccinated with your primary care provider. The Snohomish County Health Department will also be hosting student vaccine clinics throughout September for students who are out of compliance for school vaccinations.
You can register for an appointment on our website. More information on upcoming clinics can be found on our immunization webpage and calendar.
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