Measles

A lot of parents have been worried lately because of the measles outbreak reported a few weeks back. The outbreak is actually surprising since measles vaccine is given for free in health centers nationwide. It is usually given when the baby reaches 6 months old in health centers. I guess some parents failed to see the importance of infant vaccination.

Measles is a viral illness spread thru droplet spray. It is highly contagious. 90% of susceptible household contacts acquire the disease. It is most contagious during the prodromal period (characterized by low to moderate-grade fever, dry cough, colds and conjunctivitis).

Measles vaccine is usually given at 9 months old (but can be given as early as 6 months old if there is an epidemic). The first booster dose is given at 15 months old. The second booster is given at 4-6 years old. Children who have not previously received the second dose should be immunized by 11-12 years of age.

source: Del Mundo; Nelson