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With measles circulating in several states right now and Washington state recently confirming its first measles case of the year (New case of measles in King County – PUBLIC HEALTH INSIDER), it is an important time to make sure all of your patients are up to date with measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV) to prevent outbreaks in Washington.
Here are some materials to help you promote the vaccine and protect your patients from this serious and deadly disease.
A few reminders about MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine in Washington:
- A two-dose MMR series is recommended for all children starting with dose 1 at age 12 months, and dose 2 between 4 and 6 years. It’s also recommended for any adult born after 1957 who hasn’t had MMR yet. If a child aged 1-12 also needs to be vaccinated against chickenpox/varicella, MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella) vaccine may be given.
- MMR is a required vaccine to attend school and child care in Washington state. Medical and religious exemptions are available for MMR, but personal/philosophical exemptions are not.
- Measles vaccination or a positive antibody titer is required for workers and volunteers at child care centers in Washington.
- Many colleges and universities in Washington require proof of MMR or a positive antibody titer for students and/or employees.
- At least 95% of the population needs to be vaccinated against measles to achieve community immunity and prevent outbreaks. Everyone who is able to get the vaccine should do so to keep a bubble of protection around those who are vulnerable, such as those who can’t get vaccinated due to medical conditions, infants, or those who don’t respond to the vaccine.
Suggested actions for providers:
- Let your patients know what to do if they think they have been exposed to or have measles, including what phone number you’d like them to call before coming in.
- Provide information about measles and MMR to your patients in their preferred language. Resources below are available in 19 languages.
- Run a report to find out which of your patients are due or overdue for MMR vaccine. Send reminder/recall texts, emails, or letters to these patients or their parents/guardians. Consider doing a phone reminder as well.
- Ensure your staff are up to date on measles-containing vaccine. Consider requiring measles-containing vaccine for all staff to protect your vulnerable patients.
Information for providers
Resources for your patients:
Thank you for all you do in keeping families in Washington safe and protected!
In partnership,
The Office of Immunization
Prevention and Community Health Division
Washington State Department of Health
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