Dr. Howard Smith Oncall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DH9TAN0uCfa/If you live in an area with measles outbreaks, your baby should receive the measles vaccine vaccine, the MMR or measles, mumps, rubella vaccine, as early as 6 months of age.  The CDC is recommending this earlier vaccination strategy in contrast to the usual pediatric schedule that recommends the first MMR at 12 to 15 months of age with a booster at age 4 to 6 years.  If you plan an international trip, you should also vaccinate earlier.If your child receives this “early” dose of the MMR, two additional doses at the usual ages is still recommended.  Since a baby’s immune system is immature at 6 months, the latter shots are necessary to guarantee proper protection.Measles is a highly contagious virus, and one infected person can readily spread the disease to as many as 18 others.  Infectious virus can remain airborne for as long as 2 hours.  Measles is more than a rash.  The virus can damage your child’s eyes, ears, brain, and lungs.  In addition to early vacc