0
0
As the U.S. faces its first deadly measles outbreak in a decade, parents of infants too young for routine vaccination are increasingly seeking an early dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. While some pediatricians recommend it in high-risk areas, others advise waiting until a child’s first birthday for better effectiveness.
A Growing Concern Among Parents
Beth Spektor, a mother in New Jersey, was among those anxious about the outbreak. Her 9-month-old was too young for the first routine MMR dose, but after discussions in her parenting group, she sought advice from her pediatrician, who strongly recommended the extra jab.
Such recommendations are not yet national policy, though some doctors believe the vaccination schedule should be updated. However, experts caution that while MMR is safe for babies as young as 6 months, it is more effective when given at 12 months or later.
The Rise in Early Vaccination Requests
Following the death of an unvaccinated six-year-old in Texas, more parents have been requesting early MMR doses. A recent case of a measles-infected infant traveling through Los Angeles International Airport has only intensified concern.
According to Dr. Priya R. Soni of Cedars Sinai Medical Center, “There has been a noticeable increase in parental concern about measles, particularly among those who plan to travel with young children or who have infants in daycare.”
For decades, early MMR doses have been recommended for infants traveling to measles-endemic countries. Now, with domestic outbreaks growing, some states are advising high-risk infants to receive the vaccine earlier than usual.
The Debate Among Experts
Despite the push from some pediatricians, not all doctors believe extra doses are necessary for all infants. Dr. Eric Ball, a pediatrician in Orange County, recommended early MMR shots in 2014 during the Disneyland outbreak but is currently advising patients to wait unless they are in an outbreak zone.
Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, compared the situation to the early days of the COVID-19 vaccine, where demand varied widely. “The benefits of waiting until 12 months of age is greater than the largely theoretical risk that you’re going to be exposed to someone with measles,” he said.
Maternal Immunity and Timing Considerations
Babies inherit some immunity from their mothers during pregnancy, but these antibodies can weaken the effectiveness of early vaccines. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the first dose at 9 months in high-risk areas but advises waiting until 12-15 months in regions where measles is rare for stronger immunity.
As vaccine hesitancy grows in some communities, so does the risk of measles spreading to vulnerable infants. Dr. Meghan Martin, a pediatric emergency physician, emphasized that the best protection for babies is widespread vaccination among older children and adults. “If enough of the general population is vaccinated, we will protect infants through herd immunity,” she said.
The Bottom Line
While some parents and doctors opt for an early measles vaccine in high-risk situations, most experts still recommend waiting until the standard vaccination age unless the child is at immediate risk.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Parents concerned about their child’s vaccination schedule should consult their pediatrician for personalized recommendations.
