At Legacy Pediatrics, our top priority is ensuring your child’s health and well-being. One of the most important ways to protect your child from serious illness is through vaccination. Among the many vaccines recommended for children, the measles vaccine stands out for its effectiveness in preventing a potentially dangerous disease.
Why the Measles Vaccine Matters
Measles is highly contagious and can cause severe complications, such as pneumonia, brain inflammation (encephalitis), and even death.
Vaccinating your child helps prevent them from contracting the virus and spreading it to others, especially those who are too young or medically unable to receive the vaccine.
How Effective is the Measles Vaccine?
The MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) is highly effective:
- 97% effective after two doses (given at 12 months and again at 4 to 5 years of age)
- 93% effective after one dose!
The vaccine offers long-lasting protection, significantly reducing the chances of your child contracting measles.
Is the Measles Vaccine Safe?
The measles vaccine is very safe, with decades of data supporting its use. For more detailed information on the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine, check out this fact-checked article from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
- Soreness at the injection site
- A mild fever
- A brief rash
These side effects are far less severe than the potential complications from measles.
No Link to Autism: The claim that the measles vaccine causes autism was based on a retracted fraudulent study involving only 12 children. The author was stripped of his medical license due to unethical conduct. Extensive research, involving hundreds of thousands of children, has shown no connection between vaccines and autism.
Current Measles Outbreak in Texas and New Mexico
Measles cases are on the rise in parts of the U.S., including Texas and New Mexico, where recent outbreaks have occurred in communities with low vaccination rates.
Vaccination is key to preventing further spread. Keeping your child’s vaccinations up to date helps protect them and the community from these outbreaks.
Why Should Your Child Get Vaccinated?
- Protects your child from a serious, preventable illness.
- Contributes to herd immunity, helping protect those who cannot be vaccinated.
Every parent wants to keep their child safe and healthy, and vaccinating your child is one of the most important steps you can take toward ensuring their health and well-being.
In Conclusion:
The measles vaccine is safe, effective, and critical in preventing a preventable disease. Vaccinating your child not only protects them but also helps safeguard others, especially those who are vulnerable.
If you have any questions or concerns about the measles vaccine, we’re here to help! Call our Rochester pediatric clinic at 585-568-8330 if you have any questions.
