The recent measles outbreak associated with Disneyland raises several issues that should be clarified. 

First and foremost it is important to remember that measles is a contagious and dangerous virus that is preventable with proper vaccination.  Current guidelines, which The Pediatric Group adheres to, recommend an initial vaccine of MMR at one year of age and a booster between four and six years of age.  Usually, the booster is given prior to starting kindergarten. However, if your four-year old has not yet received the booster, please schedule an appointment to do so.

This recent outbreak, and others in Southern California, can be attributed to people that have not completed the primary series of vaccines.  Unfortunately, Southern California has among the lowest vaccination rates in the country largely due to a single study that associated MMR with autism, a study that has since been shown to be a fraud. There have been multiple studies done since that don’t show any association of vaccines with developmental delays.

The current outbreak should serve as a reminder that vaccines are important and that lower rates of vaccination means higher rates of disease.

If your child has not been fully vaccinated against measles please schedule to do so as soon as possible.  The Disneyland outbreak is certain not to be the last and The Pediatric Group is committed to helping your child avoid such a serious illness.

The Pediatric and Allergy Group