How to prevent measles in children

Beckley, WV (WVNS) – Children and babies are more likely to get measles if they are not vaccinated. The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is the best way to prevent children from getting measles. Candance Hurd, director of nursing at the Beckley-Raleigh County Health Department, emphasized the importance of vaccinating children to prevent the disease.

"We recommend that children receive two doses of vaccine," Hurd said. "This is recommended by the CDC and the ACIP, so children receive the first dose between 12 and 15 months and a second dose before going to kindergarten."

The MMR vaccine will act as an important means of prevention against measles, as well as rashes and fevers that accompany it. Hurd stated that failure to vaccinate children would give them an increased risk of contracting this serious respiratory illness.

Measles is very common outside the United States. Most cases nationwide occur after someone went abroad and propelled the disease into the air of the United States.