We now have confirmed cases of measles in King County and surrounding counties. Ensuring you and your family are vaccinated against measles is an important way to protect yourself and others. Read on for information on why the MMR vaccine is important, who needs the MMR vaccine, and where they can be vaccinated.
What makes measles so dangerous?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), measles isn’t just about a fever and a rash; it’s a serious disease. Complications can include pneumonia and brain injury. Children under 5 are especially at risk.
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes and is highly contagious. If one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not protected. For more information on measles, visit the CDC website.
Who needs the MMR vaccine?
The MMR vaccine offers robust protection against measles, mumps, and rubella. According to Public Health Seattle King County (PHSKC), when two doses are administered, the vaccine is 97% effective at preventing measles. Decades of research have confirmed the safety of the MMR vaccine, which is recommended for everyone aged one year and older.
By vaccinating ourselves and our children, we protect not only our families but also vulnerable individuals, such as infants too young for vaccines and people with specific medical conditions.
If you are unsure whether you or your child need to be vaccinated, here are the qualifications, according to PHSKC:
Children need 2 doses of MMR vaccine.
- First dose: 12-15 months of age.
- Second dose: 4-6 years of age, or at least 28 days after the first dose.
Most adults need 1 dose of MMR vaccine in their lifetime. Get a dose of MMR if:
- You were born in 1957 or later AND
- You’ve never had measles AND
- You weren’t vaccinated AND
- You don’t have a vaccine record or a blood test showing immunity.
Some adults need two doses of MMR in their lifetime and some babies may need vaccination prior to one year of age. Find more information here.
Where to get vaccinated
To determine if you or your child is due for an MMR vaccine, please check with your or your child’s healthcare provider. Most healthcare providers for children and some healthcare providers for adults will provide the MMR vaccine directly to patients. For other options on where you can find the MMR vaccine, and details on potential costs, visit Where to get vaccinated in King County – King County, Washington.
Take action today
Check your vaccination records and talk to your healthcare provider to ensure you and your loved ones are up to date. The MMR vaccine isn’t just a medical recommendation, it’s a commitment to a safer and healthier future for you, your loved ones, and your community.
For more information, visit About the measles vaccine – King County, Washington.
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