The Measles – Are You Vaccinated?

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By Chris Sweeney, RN – Quality Manager
“The measles is a serious and highly contagious disease that can spread quickly, so if you or your child are not vaccinated against the disease there is a risk of getting measles,” says Dr. Cara Christ, Director of the Arizona Department of Health Services.

Signs and symptoms of measles:
• High fever.
• Cough.
• Runny nose.
• Red watery eyes.
• Rash – red, raised, and blotchy. The rash begins on the face at the hairline and moves down the body that can last for five to six days.

How does it spread?
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Measles symptoms appear seven to 12 days after exposure but may take up to 21 days to appear.

Measles can be prevented with the MMR vaccine. The vaccine protects against three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella.

The CDC recommends children get two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 through 15 months of age and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age. The MMR vaccine is very safe and effective.
(Reference: Arizona Department of Health Services (2019))

Vaccines for Children (VFC)
NOAH participates in the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program. This is a federally funded program that provides vaccines at no-cost to children who might not otherwise be vaccinated because of the inability to pay.

Childhood vaccinations are extremely important in preventing a number of diseases — many of which can be fatal or cause lifelong disability. Thanks to immunizations, diseases that once claimed thousands of young lives are now rare and preventable. At NOAH. we recommend the American Academy of Pediatrics vaccination schedule.

If you or your child have these symptoms, stay home and call your NOAH healthcare provider so you can schedule a time to be seen. Please make sure you note that you may have the measles when calling for an appointment so that we can take proper precautions to best help you.

Are your child’s #vaccinations up to date? Schedule an annual well-child visit & find out! Don’t forget to bring your #shotrecords. To schedule an apt., please call 480-882-4545! #counseling #behavioralhealth #familymedicine #pediatrics #communityresources #prenatalservices #nutrition

Click Here for more information about our immunization program and to download our pediatric immunization schedule.