A child in Lewis County has died of measles, marking the first death in NY state from this preventable infection in over 30 years. As of Octber 24th, there have been 178 cases of measles in NY, 4852 in the US (more than double the number in 2026). Cases have been reported in 45 states and the District of Columbia. 96% of the cases are in patients who have not been vaccinated or do not know their vaccine status. 6 deaths have occurred in Pennsylvania. What more can be said?!
We have not gotten any “official” recommendations on changing the immunization schedule for MMR, butif you have a 13 month to 4 year old child who has only had one dose of the MMR vaccine, we can give the second any time 28 days after the first dose rather than waiting until 4 years. One dose of the vaccine provides 93% protection, two doses 97-98% protection. In addition, given the severity of the infections we are seeing, we can give 6 to 11 month old children an early dose of the MMR. The extra dose is just as safe, but the children would still need two more doses after the age of 12 months.
On another note, influenza cases have been rising quickly. We have seen a number of patients with influenza A who have been quite ill with the infection. It is not too late to get your flu vaccine. And, although it is not as effective at preventing infection as the measles vaccine, it does help make the infection less severe.
And don’t forget COVID-19. It is still around and patients who have had the infection have felt quite ill. If you are interested, we have vaccines for 6 month olds and up.
Most importantly, please remember we are here to provide your family with the information you need to make informed decisions about their health care. You are our number 1 priority.