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What Parents Need to Know About Protecting Their Children From Measles
( StatePoint) Ongoing measles outbreaks across the country have many families, pediatricians and public health experts concerned. Most of the people who have gotten sick, including a child who died in Texas, were not vaccinated against measles. immunization with this safe and effective vaccine,” said AAP president and pediatrician, Susan Kressly.“ However, when immunization rates drop in a community, the disease can spread, putting everyone— especially young children— at risk.” july / august 2025
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The best way to protect your family is by choosing to have your child immunized against measles. The MMR vaccine— which protects against measles, mumps and rubella— is the only way to prevent measles. Vitamin A, cod liver oil and other alternatives have been discussed as ways to lessen the severity of measles. However, none of these alternatives will prevent measles. Too much vitamin A can also cause severe illness. Always talk with your pediatrician first.
“ The reason many parents in the United States have not had to worry about measles in decades is because of widespread
Before the measles vaccine was available in the United States, an average of 450 people died from measles every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most of them were previously healthy children. Children who contract measles are at higher risk for developing more serious conditions such as pneumonia or a brain infection called encephalitis.
These complications can become deadly. Additionally, a rare but universally fatal form of brain swelling called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis can occur in healthy children years after they have recovered from measles infection.