Measles is an extremely contagious disease that is especially dangerous for young children. There is an ongoing outbreak in Tennessee and I am concerned that tourist traffic may bring measles exposure to our area. Measles infections can cause lasting health complications and even results in death in about 1 out of 500 cases. There is no cure for the measles other than to let the disease run its course.

Measles can be prevented by the MMR vaccine. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommends that children receive the first dose of the vaccination at 12 to 15 months of age and a second dose at 4 to 6 years of age. Children who are less than 12 months old cannot be vaccinated and they depend on the immunity level of their community.  Because the disease is highly contagious, the vaccination rate needs to be 95% to eradicate measles.

The MMR vaccine is available from the county health department and from local pediatricians.  The MMR vaccine is safe. 575 million doses have been administered worldwide as of 2012. For reliable answers to questions you might have about the vaccine, contact your pharmacist.

Howard Frederick

Tullahoma