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In light of the current national measles outbreak proof of vaccination against measles is recommended. Acceptable evidence of immunity against measles includes at least one of the following:

• Written documentation of adequate vaccination:
  • One or more doses of a measles-containing vaccine administered on or after the first birthday for preschool-age children and adults not at high risk
  • Two doses of measles-containing vaccine for school-age children and adults at high risk, including college students, healthcare personnel, and international travelers
• Laboratory evidence of immunity
• Laboratory confirmation of measles
• Birth in the United States before 1957

Please check with your insurance company regarding coverage for measles titers if you do not have proof of vaccination and would like to be tested in our office.

Do vaccines cause autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?

Many studies have looked at whether there is a relationship between vaccines and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To date, the studies continue to show that vaccines are not associated with ASD. However, CDC knows that some parents and others still have concerns.

To address these concerns, CDC is part of the Inter-Agency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC), which is working with the National Vaccine Advisory Committee (NVAC) on this issue. The job of the NVAC is to advise and make recommendations regarding the National Vaccine Program. Communication between the IACC and NVAC will allow each group to share skills and knowledge, improve coordination, and promote better use of research resources on vaccine topics.

Measles is the most deadly of all childhood rash/fever illnesses. The disease spreads very easily, so it is important to protect against infection. To prevent measles, children (and some adults) should be vaccinated with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Two doses of this vaccine are needed for complete protection. Children should be given the first dose of MMR vaccine at 12 to 15 months of age. The second dose can be given 4 weeks later, but is usually given before the start of kindergarten at 4 to 6 years of age.

Associated URL: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/measles/default.htm#concerns