SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - The measles outbreak in Los Angeles County has San Diegans concerned about their protection against the easily spread virus.
The Centers for Disease Controlrecommends everyone receive two doses of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Children typically get their first dose between 12 and 15 months of age and get their second dose right before they go into preschool or kindergarten after the age of 4. Parents should immunize children at 6 months of age if they will be traveling internationally, the CDC reports.
The CDC says adults who do not have evidence of immunity against measles should receive at least one dose of the MMR vaccine.
RELATED: LA colleges quarantine over 900 possibly exposed to measles
Evidence of immunity includes at least one of the following, according to CDC officials:
- 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, typically a blood test, to determine immunity
- Laboratory confirmation of measles
- Birth before 1957
People born between 1963 and 1989 are recommended to get their immunity checked because most people only received one dose of the vaccine during that time, doctors say.
RELATED: People born between 1963-1989 should get their measles immunity checked
“What’s different is we now recommend two doses to make sure you’re completely protected,” said Dr. Mark Sawyer, a pediatrict infectious disease specialist at Rady Children’s Hospita. “Older adults may be susceptible, especially if traveling internationally.”
“When in doubt, get a second dose,” Sawyer adds.
