In the wake of the current measles outbreak, many parents are concerned about when to get their babies the MMR vaccine. NBC4’s Dr. Bruce Hensel has answers and advice.
Question: Why can’t I vaccinate my 6 month old?
Dr. Bruce’s Answer: Your child should get the first MMR vaccine after their first birthday. A booster shot should be given at age 5, before the child starts school. Vaccines that are given before 6 months are for viruses that the mother does not have immunity against, such as hepatitis. If a mother had the MMR vaccine and booster, she is immune and passes her antibodies to her baby during pregnancy and breast feeding and the baby is immune.
Question: Why can’t I vaccinate my baby before 1 year? Why can’t they start earlier?
Dr. Bruce’s Answer: The CDC does not recommend getting your child vaccinated before 1 year. This is largely due to limited research on the effectiveness of the vaccine between 6 and 12 months. If your baby was to get the shot at 6 months, he or she will still need to get another one after a year.
Question: What about children older than one who go to day care or preschool?
Dr. Bruce’s Answer: Definitely get the vaccine after 1 year. Even if your child is vaccinated, check to make sure that the other children have all of their vaccines and that the center has a policy to wash hands often. If your child has a cough or other flu-like symptoms, keep him or her home.
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Realize that, since measles is contagious four days before symptoms, there is always a tiny chance someone who had it visited before he or she was sick. However, the chance is very remote if there have not been any cases near you.
