Worried about the measles outbreak? 5 things parents should know about the MMR vaccine

With Texas is in the midst of its worst measles outbreak in 30 years, many parents are understandably worried—and full of questions. Is my child protected? What are the risks of exposure? And does the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) really work?

It’s the perfect time to double-check your child’s vaccination records and stay informed. While the measles outbreak can feel scary, arming yourself with clear, trustworthy information can help you feel confident in protecting your family.

What to know about the MMR vaccine

Let’s break down what you need to know about the MMR vaccine, how it works and what steps you can take to keep your family safe.

1. The MMR vaccine is highly effective

Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through symptoms such as coughing and sneezing. Its spread can be reduced by practices such as good handwashing to prevent respiratory droplets from passing between people.

But the most effective way by far to prevent spread of the disease is by widespread vaccination with the MMR vaccine.

Let’s go back in time a bit. Shortly before the licensing of the measles vaccine in 1963, the US would see 400-500 childhood deaths each year due to this disease. Thanks to the subsequent high rates of MMR vaccinations, measles cases and deaths plummeted in the following years. By 1965, the number of measles cases had been cut by 50% compared to 1962. By 1968, cases had further dropped to 5% of what they had been just 5 years prior.

Measles was declared eliminated in the US in the year 2000. This achievement was a testament to the power of public health initiatives, immunizations and collective responsibility.

The MMR vaccine is typically administered in two doses; one at 12 months and the second at 4 years of age. The first of the two vaccines is effective in building an immunity to measles 93% of the time, while both together are successful in preventing disease in 97% of people.

2. Herd immunity matters

When over 95% of a population is immunized, diseases like measles are unable to spread effectively. This phenomenon is known as “herd immunity,” and it protects both the vaccinated and unvaccinated alike.

This is especially important for those who cannot receive the vaccine due to medical reasons (such as children with immune system disorders or cancers). They rely on the rest of their community to get vaccinated and help them prevent infection.

The recent measles outbreaks have occurred most often in communities with higher rates of unvaccinated children. This highlights the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates for the health of not just your own family, but also other families around you.

3. Children are especially vulnerable to measles

While it’s important for children and adults alike to receive the MMR vaccine, it’s especially critical for children. Children are more likely to require hospitalization than adults, with approximately 1 in 5 kids requiring the higher level of care.

This is a tragic and serious reminder of why vaccines, particularly the MMR vaccine, are crucial in safeguarding our children's health.

4. The MMR vaccine is vigorously tested

As a parent, it’s normal to worry about your child’s safety. Vaccines, including MMR, undergo rigorous testing and are continually monitored for safety and effectiveness. There have been over 50 years of high-quality data showing the effectiveness and safety of the MMR vaccine, both in the short and long term.

The reality of the situation is that the vaccine is effective in doing what it was intended to do—save children from the consequences of measles, mumps and rubella—and do so without compromising their health in other areas.

5. It’s OK to have questions about vaccines

To those who have concerns about the MMR vaccine, first, know that it’s understandable and good to have questions. We know your child’s health is important to you. It’s important to us, too.

I urge you to reach out to your child’s doctor to have a conversation about the measles vaccine and what other steps you can take to keep your family safe.

It’s perfectly OK to bring up your concerns during your child’s checkup. This is encouraged, in fact! As a pediatrician, I always appreciate the opportunity to address whatever is worrying you.

Every parent should be prepared to make the best choice for their child’s health, and reliable information is necessary in order to make well-informed decisions.

Protecting our families together

The current measles outbreak should not be taken lightly. This is a wake-up call for all of us to ensure that our children and ourselves are protected.

Vaccination is a personal decision, but it’s not just a personal decision. It’s also a commitment to the health of our community and our children. When we choose to vaccinate, we are not only protecting our children, but also contributing to the larger effort of disease prevention.

The loss of any child is one too many, especially to a preventable disease like measles. We must strive to protect our most vulnerable members of the population—our children.

Let’s work together to keep measles a thing of the past by ensuring our vaccinations are up to date. After all, every child deserves a healthy start in life, and vaccines are proven to be one of the safest ways to make that happen.

Questions about the measles outbreak? Talk to your child’s doctor today.