From January 1 to March 21, 2019, 314* individual cases of measles have been confirmed in 15 states. CDC is asking for healthcare workers’ help to ensure that all patients are up-to-date on MMR vaccine. When it comes to vaccinations, parents trust the expertise of their doctors and nurses more than anyone else. Explain to patients that MMR vaccine is the best protection against measles infection.

What Should Clinicians Do?

• Discuss the importance of MMR vaccine with parents. Listen and respond to parents’ questions. When parents have questions, it does not necessarily mean they won’t accept vaccines. Sometimes, they simply want your answers to their questions.
• Use Florida SHOTS to ensure all patients are up-to-date on measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine.
  • Children need 2 doses of MMR: one dose at 12 to 15 months and another dose at 4 to 6 years.
  • Before any international travel, infants 6 to 11 months need 1 dose of MMR vaccine, children 12 months and older need 2 doses separated by at least 28 days, and teenagers and adults who do not have evidence of immunity against measles need 2 doses separated by at least 28 days.

For more information, including guidelines for patient evaluation, diagnosis, and management, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/hcp/index.html

*Case count is preliminary and subject to change.