Michigan doctors urge early measles shots for infants
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A nurse prepares an arm to receive a measles, mumps and rubella virus vaccine. Photo: George Frey/Getty Images
Amid a growing measles outbreak, the Michigan State Medical Society is urging families to talk with their doctors about vaccinating their infants early.
Why it matters: Measles is a severely contagious disease marked by rashes and fevers that can cause serious complications, especially in children under 5.
State of play: The physician's association is promoting recent messaging from Michigan's health department, after state and county officials confirmed seven measles cases in Washtenaw County and one in Monroe County since early March.
- Without definitive links between the Washtenaw and Monroe cases, officials are concerned about "possible spread outside the initial outbreak," per an early April news release.
What they're saying: "Measles is an extremely dangerous, highly contagious virus, and outbreaks like this one are a stark reminder of how quickly it can put vulnerable people at risk," Latonya Riddle-Jones, a doctor and association board member, said in a statement last week.
- "Parents in affected areas should pay close attention to this updated guidance, make sure their children are protected, and talk with their physician if they have questions about the MMR vaccine or their child's immunization status."
Zoom out: A nationwide surge of recent cases, overwhelmingly in unvaccinated people, puts the U.S. at risk of losing its measles elimination status.
- While top federal officials have stressed the MMR vaccine is the most effective protection, some have repeatedly portrayed vaccination as a personal choice and ruled out new mandates, Axios' Peter Sullivan writes.
Between the lines: As of this month, state health officials now recommend early MMR vaccination for infants ages 6-11 months who live in Washtenaw, Monroe, Wayne, Oakland, Jackson, Livingston or Lenawee counties, or who travel to Washtenaw and Monroe counties.
- Usually, the first dose is recommended at 12-15 months and the second is given a minimum of 28 days later.
- The state also recommends that all people without evidence of measles immunity get the vaccine.
Threat level: Nearly every county in Michigan failed to meet the herd immunity threshold for measles, with vaccination rates for kindergarteners below the 95% mark, per data published in December by the Washington Post.
- That threshold is widely considered necessary to contain the virus' spread.
Flashback: Michigan had 30 measles cases last year, including two each in Oakland and Macomb counties, according to the state.