Measles is a highly contagious airborne illness that can cause rash, fever, red eyes and cough.
Severe cases of measles can also cause blindness, pneumonia or swelling of the brain and in some cases, it can cause death.
Most of the measles illnesses now popping up in the U.S. are in young children, a result of lower vaccination rates.
“We shouldn’t panic because most people have been vaccinated for measles,” said Dr. Dwane Broussard, President of the Harris County Medical Society.
What’s the best way to protect against measles?
Dr. Broussard said the best protection against measles is vaccination.
What age do you get the measles vaccine?
The first dose is typically given to children between 12 and 15-months-old.
A second dose is administered around age four.
What if I never got the vaccine?
The CDC said older children and adults can also get vaccinated if they didn’t receive the vaccine as a child.
Should I get a booster?
If you’ve been vaccinated with the current vaccine or you had measles as a child, there’s no need for a booster shot, according to Dr. Broussard. He said immunity is strong and long-lasting.
People who were vaccinated between 1963-1968
Speak with your doctor if you were vaccinated with the first version of the measles vaccine used between 1963 and 1968, you may not be fully protected.
What if I don’t know which vaccine I got?
If you don’t know which type of vaccine you got, you should also consult with your doctor.
People born before 1957
“If you were born before 1957, we assume that you have immunity to measles,” Dr. Broussard said. “It was a highly contagious virus that was endemic in the population.”
Therefore, there’s a likelihood you have immunity from previous exposure.
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