What do we know about the current outbreak in Texas?
Several cases of measles have been confirmed in Texas, including the death of one pediatric patient who was unvaccinated. The outbreak originated in Gaines County, where there is a disproportionately high rate of unvaccinated children. The Texas Department of State Health Services is closely monitoring the situation as it spreads to additional areas, and is taking action to vaccinate individuals who are not fully protected.
GROW Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine follows the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control, and the Texas Department of State Health Services.
***At this time, we are not scheduling in-person appointments for children who have not yet received both doses of their measles vaccine, and are experiencing the following: Rash, and fever over 101F, and one of the following: Cough, runny nose, or conjunctivitis (pink eye).
Children generally receive their second MMR vaccine at their 4 year well check. If your child hasn’t yet received theirs and is experiencing the symptoms mentioned, please be clear when calling the office to schedule an appointment. We do have telemedicine and car visits available. ****
Current CDC and DSHS recommendations are:
- If you are not fully vaccinated but are eligible, either start or complete the vaccine 2 dose series. This is the best protection for you AND your community.
- There is no current recommendation to engage in mass vaccination of children ahead of the CDC vaccine schedule.
What about special circumstances for early vaccination?
Even a single dose of the vaccine is highly effective in preventing infection. Usually, the measles vaccine is given at 12 to 15 months and again at age 4 to 6 years. However, If exposure to measles is likely (planned travel to an affected areas, or possible exposure) the dose can be given as soon as early as 6 months. Because the vaccine is less effective at that age, early first doses do not count towards the child’s two dose schedule, and are considered an extra dose.
Similarly, a child can receive their second dose early, if needed. In this case, the second dose can be given as soon as one month after the first. An early second dose does count towards a child’s two dose schedule, and does not result in an “extra” dose.
Please call the office at 512-467-7334 if you’re interested in scheduling an appointment with your physician to determine if your child is eligible to receive an early dose.
How Contagious is Measles?
Measles is very contagious. It’s estimated that each person with active measles can spread the virus to 12-18 susceptible individuals, Susceptible is a very important word here; in this case it can be thought of as synonymous with “unvaccinated’. Two doses (the full dose) of MMR provide 97% protection against measles. Even the first dose given to infants offers 93% protection. When large percentages of a community are vaccinated, “herd immunity” is achieved. Current CDC data shows a vaccination rate of 95% or higher is necessary to create herd immunity, in order to protect communities and maintain measles elimination. Herd immunity reduces the chance of measles for everyone, while protecting the most vulnerable who cannot receive the vaccine.
Can’t we just get a shot for just measles, without the Mumps and Rubella components?
No. A single-antigen vaccine for measles is not available in the USA.
Does my teenager need a booster?
No. Booster vaccines of MMR (or MMRV) are not generally recommended if the series has been completed. If you have specific concerns related to a medical condition your child has, please discuss with your doctor.
How can I protect my baby who is too young for the vaccine?
Babies are born with protection they have received in utero. As they grow, the immunity they were born with wears off, typically in the first 12 months. Because the vaccine works best after the immunity present at birth wears off, we give the first dose of the vaccine at 12 months of age.
Offering protection to your young infant can include;
- Limit your baby’s exposure to crowds, other unvaccinated children, and anyone with cold symptoms.
- Frequent handwashing and sanitizing., and disinfection of objects, toys and surfaces in your home
- Feeding breastmilk, which can transmit additional antibodies to your infant
- Ensuring you and anyone else who are eligible and in contact with your child is fully vaccinated with 2 doses of MMR to minimize potential contacts with the virus.
What are the symptoms of measles?
Symptoms usually begin 7-14 days after exposure to the virus.
- Runny nose
- Hacking cough
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- Fever that may be higher than 103 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit
- Small spots with white centers (Koplik’s spots) on the inside of the cheek (usually occur 2 or 3 days after symptoms begin)
- The rash appears as red, flat spots that start on the face near the hairline and spread down to the trunk, arms, legs and feet.
- Severe diarrhea
Are there any complications of measles?
Yes. This is why measles vaccination is so very important.
About 3 of every 10 patients with measles will develop complications such as; Ear infections leading to permanent hearing loss, Pneumonia, Croup, Encephalitis, Blindness. Fatality rate is approximately 1-2 per 1,000 infected. A very rare but fatal complication is a serious disease of the nervous system called subacute sclerosing panecephalitis (SSPE). SSPE develops 7 to 10 years after a person has recovered from measles.
What if someone in my family has been exposed to someone with measles?
If your child is unvaccinated and has been exposed:
Call as soon as possible to schedule a Telehealth visit. Please do not simply schedule an in person visit. A person infected with measles can be infectious before they have any symptoms of the disease. Your child’s pediatrician is the best person to determine if you are immune to measles based on your vaccination record and any medical conditions your child might have.
If your child is vaccinated (both doses of MMR), or have other proof of immunity to measles, and has been exposed, you may continue with your normal activities.
Call GROW’s front desk at 512-467-7334 to schedule a visit, either in person or virtual, to discuss with our physicians.
