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Measles Information

There is a current measles outbreak in the Orthodox Jewish communities in the Williamsburg and Borough Park neighborhoods in Brooklyn, in Queens, in Rockland County, and in Monmouth County and Ocean County, NJ. As of April 16th, 2019 there have been over 525 cases in these areas. The initial cases have been traced to Israel, where there is currently a large outbreak resulting in the country's first measles death in a child in 15 years. The majority of affected children have been children under age 5 years who have not completed the full 2 dose series of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine, or whose parents have refused to give the vaccine. This vaccine is routinely given at ages 1 year and after their fourth birthday.

 

If you are planning travel to Israel or have plans to visit the high risk areas mentioned above, or you're concerned that you or your child may be at risk:

 

  • Infants 6 months through 11 months of age can get an MMR vaccine now. They will still have to get a vaccine at 12-15 months of age and again at 4-6 years of age. Getting an MMR vaccine now will help give them some protection against measles.

 

  • Children 1 through 3 years of age who have already received their first MMR vaccine can get a second MMR vaccine now, as long as 28 days have passed since the first MMR vaccine was given to them. This second MMR vaccine will count for school entry and not require another after their fourth birthday.

  • Any adult who has not received their first MMR vaccine and is not pregnant can get their first MMR vaccine now.

 

Some helpful links: 

  • Please click here for information about measles including signs and symptoms.

  • Please click here for information on the MMR vaccine.

  • Please click here for information about the current measles cases and outbreak.

 

General information regarding international travel and measles prevention:

 

  • The MMR vaccine is generally recommended for anyone over 6 months traveling abroad who has not yet received two vaccines.

  • Please click here for the WHO country specific report on measles.

 

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