Measles Outbreak Information from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The CDC is asking for your help to ensure that all children and families are up to date on the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. When it comes to vaccinations, parents trust the expertise of their doctor more than anyone else. As families work with their doctors, it’s important that Head Start, Early Head Start, and child care staff help parents understand that the MMR vaccine is the best protection against measles infection.
From Jan. 1 to Feb. 21, 2019, 159* people from 10 states (i.e., CA, CO, CT, GA, IL, NJ, NY, OR, TX, and WA) have been reported as having measles. Five outbreaks, defined as three or more linked cases, have been reported: Rockland County, Monroe County, and New York City, NY; Washington state; Texas; and Illinois. Of these outbreaks, two outbreaks are ongoing from 2018. The CDC urges healthcare professionals to ensure that all patients are up to date on MMR vaccine, including before international travel.
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Provide MMR vaccine information to parents
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Ensure all children in your program are up to date on MMR vaccine:
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Children need two doses of MMR: one dose at 12–15 months old and another dose at 4–6 years old
