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Dear APA Families, One measles case has been confirmed in Colorado. While this may be concerning, we’re here to help you understand how to protect your child. What is Measles? Measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause serious complications, especially in young children. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash that typically starts on the face and spreads downward. How Can I Protect My Child? The best way to prevent measles is through the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella), a safe and effective vaccine. The vaccine is 93% effective after the first dose, typically given at 12 months, and 97% effective after the second dose, typically given at 4 years. If your child is up to date on their vaccinations, they are well-protected. What If My Child Is Too Young for the Vaccine? If your child is under 12 months old, they generally are not eligible to receive the MMR vaccine. However, if you’re planning for international travel or travel to an area with an outbreak, we offer an early MMR dose for babies 6-12 months old. Babies that receive one dose of MMR before the age of 12 months, will still need two additional doses after the age of 12 months to complete the vaccination schedule. What Should You Do? If you have concerns about your child’s vaccinations or suspect they’ve been exposed to measles, call us today. If your child needs an MMR vaccine, we have appointments available at all our offices. At Advanced Pediatric Associates, we are committed to keeping your family healthy and safe. We will post any recommended updates for our area. Additional information is available on the CDC website https://www.cdc.gov/measles . Sincerely, Dr. Stevens and the APA team