Make Sure Your Child is Fully Immunized
Measles is a highly contagious disease. It can be serious for young children. Protect your child by making sure he or she is up to date on measles vaccine, including before traveling abroad.
Children Need 2 Doses of Measles Vaccine
You can protect your child against measles with a combination vaccine that provides protection against three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). The MMR vaccine is proven to be very safe and effective. CDC recommends that children get one dose at each of the following ages:
12 through 15 months
4 through 6 years
Measles Can Be Serious
Measles is a very contagious disease caused by a virus. It spreads to others through coughing and sneezing. It is so contagious that if one person has it, up to 90% of the people around him or her will also become infected if they are not protected.
Measles starts with a high fever. Soon after, it causes a cough, runny nose, and red eyes. Then a rash of tiny, red spots breaks out. It starts at the head and spreads to the rest of the body. Measles can be serious. It can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and death.
Paying for Measles Vaccine
Most health insurance plans cover the cost of vaccines. But you may want to check with your health insurance provider before going to the doctor.
To See if Your Child’s Vaccine Is Due
Check your child’s vaccination record,
Contact their healthcare provider, or
Visit the immunization scheduler for newborn to 6-year-old children.
Source credit: https://www.cdc.gov/features/measles/index.html