Has your child been vaccinated for measles?

Dr. Vijaya Koduri, CCMG Pediatrics

Once a very common childhood disease, measles was largely eliminated in the United States in 2000, but has now returned, as seen in outbreaks in 14 states in January of this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Measles is a highly contagious, potentially fatal disease that can be prevented by vaccination. Complications from measles include pneumonia, swelling of the brain and deafness. Children who are not vaccinated for measles increase the risk of measles infection for infants under 1 years old, cancer patients and others with weak immune systems. And pregnant women who develop measles may give birth to a premature or low birth-weight baby.

The best way to protect yourself and your children is to get the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The MMR vaccination is recommended at:

• First dose: 12 months old to 15 months old
• Second dose: between 4 years old and 6 years old

If your child is not current with the MMR vaccine or other recommended vaccinations, call my office at 307-688-3636 for an appointment. I urge you to protect your family against this preventable illness. It’s the right thing to do.

Dr. Vijaya Koduri is the pediatrician at Campbell County Medical Group (CCMG) Pediatrics. Learn more at www.cchwyo.org/peds.