Early measles vaccinations recommended as cases rise in Washington County

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Health officials are recommending early measles vaccination for infants under one year of age living in or traveling to Washington County.

The general recommendation is for children to get their first MMR vaccine at 12 months. The MMR combines vaccines against measles, mumps, and rubella.

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But cases are on the rise, especially in Washington County. So now the Utah Department of Health and Human Services said children in the area should get their first shot at six months.

“Babies are still developing their immune systems so they are at a greater risk of having more severe complications or illnesses if they do contract measles,” said Utah DHHS Epidemiologist Clarissa Keisling.

The main reason early vaccines are not recommended, Keisling said is that health officials try to avoid giving extra vaccinations when they are not yet needed. However, she said early vaccination is safe.

“The number one way to [protect your baby] is to surround your baby or your children with vaccinated adults or vaccinated others,” says Keisling. “The early recommendation MMR … is not recommended widespread.”

According to information published on the DHHS website, early MMR vaccines are recommended when there are:

• Three children younger than age four infected with measles, or
• 10 infections in the county with at least one in a child younger than age four.

The only county in the state that currently meets that statistic is Washington County.

There is a potential drawback of receiving an early MMR vaccination. Some studies suggest the effectiveness of the vaccine may decrease later in life for those who get the early vaccine.

But Keilsing said there is nothing wrong with getting an early vaccination, and a person can choose to get a booster shot later in life.