Kaiser Permanente Offers Tips Protecting Children from Measles

With measles outbreaks happening in certain regions of the country, many parents across Southern California are rightfully concerned, wondering what they can do to better protect their kids from contracting this infectious disease.

According to David Bronstein, MD, pediatric infectious disease specialist at Kaiser Permanente Antelope Valley Medical Offices, there are certain steps parents can take to keep their children safe, including the following:

Should I Vaccinate My Child?

Although some people are hesitant to vaccinate their children, studies have repeatedly shown:

• Vaccines do save children’s lives and protect our society against the spread of disease.
• Not vaccinating your children puts them at risk of catching measles. Furthermore, it also puts others who come in contact with your child more at risk of getting sick.
• Immunization helps protect your child from getting sick. In fact, most childhood vaccines are 90 to 99 percent effective in preventing disease.
• It’s safer for a child to get the measles vaccine than to contract the disease.

At What Age Should I Vaccinate My Child?

It is recommended that the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine be given to children at age 12-15 months, and again at age 4-6.

How Long Will My Child’s Measles Vaccine Last?

Children who are vaccinated rarely develop measles. However, to be effective, it is critically important for children to receive two doses of the measles vaccine, as the second dose of vaccine provides more than 95 percent protection against contracting the disease.

Why Should I be Concerned About My Child Contracting Measles?

Measles is a disease with serious complications! Many children who are infected suffer from pneumonia, some develop encephalitis – an infection of the brain – while others sadly can die. Thanks to the success of the measles vaccine, this childhood disease is not as common as it once was. However, in recent years, some parents due to misinformation or scientifically unproven concerns have chosen to not immunize their children. That has led to measles outbreaks taking place, as a result of more unvaccinated children in our communities.

The evidence is clear! Measles vaccinations do work and help protect children against unnecessary pain and suffering. If you haven’t immunized your child yet, contact your pediatrician and make an appointment.

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About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve more than 12.2 million members in eight states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education and the support of community health. For more information, go to: kp.org/share or kp.org/panoramacity.