Dear Parents and Caregivers,
As many of you are aware, a large multi-state measles outbreak linked to Disneyland in California began this past December. As of February 10th, at least 121 people in 17 states were reported to have measles between January 1st – February 6th, with most cases associated with the California outbreak. While in 2014 the United States experienced over 600 cases of measles – the largest number of cases since “home-grown” measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000 – the number of measles cases this past month alone is concerning to us all. Most of us may not remember the last U.S. measles epidemic, which occurred from 1989 – 1991. During that outbreak there were over 55,000 cases, 11,000 hospitalizations, and 123 deaths, mostly affecting young children. The seriousness of that outbreak prompted a change in vaccine policy and created funding for vaccines for uninsured children, leading to the extremely low measles infection rates seen in U.S. these past twenty-plus years.
At a time when our memories regarding the danger of measles and other vaccine-preventable illnesses have faded, vaccines have become a victim of their own success. With vaccine myths all-too-easily available, some now fear the vaccines more than the diseases they were designed to protect against. Yet, the science is clear: vaccines work and are one of the most effective, safe, and well-studied interventions we can make to keep our patients healthy. The MMR vaccine is 95% effective at preventing measles infection after the first dose, and 99% effective after the second dose – a remarkable success. The current measles outbreak is not a failure of the vaccine, but a failure of parents to vaccinate their children. A special trip to Disneyland, a visit to the children’s museum, a sporting event outing, or attendance at school or daycare should not result in an illness that is nearly completely preventable.
The pediatricians at Center City Pediatrics continue to affirm our commitment to provide the best care for our patients, including vaccinating our patients in a timely manner to provide the best protection possible at a time in childhood when they need this protection the most. The health of our children – especially those too young or with immune systems too weak to respond well to vaccines – depends on the vaccination status of others.
Measles Frequently Asked Questions
In response to the present measles epidemic Center City Pediatrics would like to share this important message from the American Academy of Pediatrics. LEARN MORE
RESOURCES
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Vaccine Education Center: A Look at Each Vaccine – Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR): LEARN MORE
Do Vaccines Cause Autism: LEARN MORE
Vaccines & the Immune System: LEARN MORE
Healthychildren.org: How to Protect Your Child During a Measles OutbreaK: LEARN MORE
In addition, we highly recommend the book Vaccines and Your Child: Separating Fact from Fiction, written by Paul Offit, MD & Charlotte Moser, for any parent seeking accurate and detailed information regarding vaccines.
Sincerely,
The Physicians & Staff at Center City Pediatrics
Prepared February 10, 2015 by Grace E. Lee, MD MSCE