Don’t Forget to Vaccinate

Measles — a dangerous disease that was wiped out in the United States in 2000 — has returned! This is a very harmful, highly contagious virus that may start with a fever, sore throat, cough, runny nose and red watery eyes. It can be easily spread from person to person. Measles can cause blindness, severe diarrhea, ear infections, pneumonia, brain swelling and death. Sadly, there has been an increase in measles cases in recent years due to low vaccination rates. From January 1 to May 31, 2019 alone, there has been 839 cases of measles reported in the United States. Vaccines protect you and your child from getting measles. CalOptima pays for all member shots, so you can get them at no-cost. Make sure that all your family shot records are up-to-date.

Set up a well-care visit with your child’s doctor especially before they start or go back to school. Children going to school must show proof that they got all of their shots. Your child can get needed shots at a well-care visit. The doctor makes sure that your child has all the shots they need. Many studies have proven that shots are safe and prevent illnesses. It is safe for your child to get more than 1 shot at their doctor visit. If your child misses a shot, just go back to your child's doctor to catch up. They will not make you restart all the shots.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/measles/cases-outbreaks.html

California Department of Public Health, http://eziz.org/assets/docs/IMM-231.pdf