As of May 17, 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed 880 cases of measles in 24 states. Most of the people who have had measles are unvaccinated children. Measles infection can be serious and may cause pneumonia or encephalitis (swelling of the brain).
Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, but it is now an increasing public health concern. Worldwide, measles cases are increasing. Since January 2018, 47 countries in Europe have reported over 100,000 measles cases and over 90 measles-related deaths.
Measles is preventable when people get vaccinated. The measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective, and is recommended by the CDC at 12-15 months of age to protect against measles. Younger infants and children unable to receive the vaccine depend on the vaccination of those around them for protection.
The majority of young children in Vermont are up to date on MMR vaccination. In 2018-2019, regulated child care programs reported that 96.8% of children met the MMR vaccine requirements for their age. However, some children old enough for MMR vaccine remain unvaccinated and there is variation of vaccination rates among child care programs. This creates areas of vulnerability where measles can easily spread.
A summary of vaccination coverage data for all regulated child care programs and individual Licensed Child Care Programs are available at http://www.healthvermont.gov/disease-control/immunization/vaccination-coverage
Resources for child care programs and parents about the importance of MMR vaccination: