Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease with the potential to cause serious illness, including encephalitis and death. Patients are contagious 4 days before and 4 days after symptoms of rash. The average interval between exposure and rash onset is 14 days, with a range of 7–21 days.
Measles symptoms can include the following:
The most recognizable measles symptom is a very high fever accompanied by a red or brownish blotchy rash, although this is not the only symptom.
Before the rash appears, children with measles develop cold-like symptoms, including:
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Fever
- Red, watery eyes
These symptoms tend to get worse during the first 1 to 3 days of the illness.
VACCINATION RECOMMENDATIONS
My child has had: 2 prior doses of MMR or MMRV vaccines.
Measles Vaccine Recommendation: No additional vaccination needed if given after 12 months and 28 days apart.
My child has had: 1 prior MMR or MMRV dose and is 12 months or older.
Measles Vaccine Recommendation: 2nd dose of MMRV vaccine needed at least 28 days after 1st dose (if not an exposure, then 3 months is preferred)
My child has had: 0 prior MMR doses and is under 12 months.
Measles Vaccine Recommendation: Children 6 months – 11 months can get a dose of MMR but will still need the 2-dose vaccine series that usually starts at 12 months with MMR and/or MMRV.
- Routine MMR vaccine at 12-15 months and 4-6 years is highly protective. North Austin Pediatrics office routine vaccine schedule is at 12 months administering MMR vaccine and we have been offering 2nd dose (Proquad /MMRV) at 18 months well check since July 2024.
- At this time, the DSHS has NOT recommended early vaccination in Travis or Williamson County, but this could change.
- Second dose of MMR may be given at > 1 year of age >28 days after first dose
- If a dose of MMR is given at 6-11 months of age, the patient will need two further measles vaccine doses as per ACIP schedule after 12 months of age. There must be 28 days between vaccine doses for the best immune response.
- MMR vaccine, within 72 hours of initial measles exposure, may provide some protection, or modify the clinical course of disease among susceptible persons.
- Susceptible persons who receive a dose of MMR vaccine as PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis) within 72 hours of initial measles exposure may return to childcare, school, or work.
- Children 6 months – 12 months of age may be given one dose of MMR if exposure occurred within 72 hours. Any susceptible contact between 6 months and 12 months of age who receives MMR vaccination should follow the CDC’s recommended schedule. Children < 6 months of age are not recommended to receive an MMR vaccine.
- For people who are fully vaccinated with two doses of MMR vaccine or have measles infection documentation, a dose of MMR vaccine is not recommended at this time.
- Immunoglobulin (IG as IGIM or IVIG), if administered within 6 days of initial measles exposure, may provide some protection among susceptible persons. IG is the only option for PEP for populations that cannot receive MMR vaccine (infants < 6 months of age, severely immunocompromised people, and pregnant people). (see link below)
VACCINATION INFORMATION SHEETS
FAQs regarding measles
How can I determine if my child has been vaccinated?
See our patient portal for 24/7 access to your child’s vaccine record!
They should have 1 dose of MMR 12 – 15 months and after 18 months 1 dose of Proquad (MMRV). 2 doses of MMR containing vaccine given at least 28 days apart and after 12 months is deemed fully vaccinated.
Can I call the office and book a nurse visit for the vaccine?
6 month -11 month MMR vaccine can be given prior to the 12 month well check appointment, but parents should be aware that doesn’t “count” towards the official vaccine record as being valid, so another dose 12 month old or after would be needed to “count” as 1st dose. Patients over 12 months of age that need a 2nd dose (Proquad) are eligible to receive that 2nd dose, North Austin Pediatrics administers at the 18 month well check visit as of July 2024. Prior to July 2024, the 2nd dose was offered at 4 year well checks.
If you would like to receive your child’s 2nd dose, please call the office to book a nurse visit. We are working on getting more supply of both MMR and MMRV by next week in anticipation of demand. Children over 4 years old at this time would not need to be vaccinated again, as long as they have had 2 doses of either MMR and/or MMRV (Proquad) vaccines given after 12 months of age.
When is my child considered vaccinated and up-to-date?
They are considered UTD if they have had 2 MMR containing vaccines after 12 months old and at least 28 days apart.
Should my child get a 2nd dose and when?
Patients over 12 months of age that need a 2nd dose (Proquad) are eligible to receive that 2nd dose, North Austin Pediatrics administers at the 18 month well check visit as of July 2024. Prior to July 2024, the 2nd dose was offered at 4yr. well checks.
Babies 6-11 months only need one dose.
Babies under 6 months should have maternal antibodies to protect them and it is not recommended to give MMR before 6 months.
Is 1 dose enough protection?
1 dose of measles vaccine (MMR) is 93% effective against measles and 2 doses of measles vaccine is 97% effective.
How long does it take to get measles after being exposed to it?
Measles symptoms typically begin about 8 to 12 days after your child is exposed to the virus. If your child was exposed to someone with measles, call your pediatrician right away. They can check your child’s health records. If needed, your pediatrician can arrange to have your child examined without putting others at risk.
How long should a child with measles stay home from school?
Children with measles should stay home from school or child care until at least 4 full days after the beginning of the rash, when they are no longer contagious.
International Travel Guidelines
Babies younger than age 6 months cannot be vaccinated yet but may have some protection from antibodies passed to them during pregnancy. Consider delaying travel to locations with measles outbreaks to avoid risks of severe illness.
Babies age 6 to 11 months old should receive their first MMR vaccine dose at least two weeks before traveling. They will still need the standard 2-dose series if they received a dose before age 12 months.
Babies 12 months and older should receive their first dose of MMR vaccine in addition to the other vaccines recommended at that age. Infants 12 months and older should also receive a second dose of the MMR vaccine 28 days after the first dose.
Before traveling, check for health advisories on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Travel Health Notices webpage. Depending on your travel destination and the activities you have planned, other vaccines may also be recommended.
Please use the patient portal to review your child’s vaccine record for administered doses of MMR or MMRV (Proquad).