SALT LAKE CITY — Two Utah County children have contracted measles and 491 Utahns have been hospitalized for influenza this season. Here is some information from the Centers for Disease Control on vaccinations for measles and influenza.
MEASLES VACCINATIONS
According to the CDC, it is important to protect against measles as it is the most deadly of all childhood rash/fever illnesses.
Measles can be prevented with a combined vaccination for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR). Children should be given the first MMR vaccine at 12 to 15 months of age. The second dose can be given as early as four weeks after the first dose, but is typically given before the start of kindergarten (age 4-6).
Visit http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/measles/default.htm for comprehensive information on measles vaccinations.
SEASONAL FLU VACCINATIONS
According to the CDC, influenza (commonly known as “the flu”) is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. A study spanning 31 flu seasons between 1976-2007 shows flu-associated deaths in the United States ranged from a low of about 3,000 deaths to a high of about 49,000 deaths. These numbers are estimates for reasons listed here.
The CDC recommends seasonal flu vaccinations for everyone 6 months of age and older, with few exceptions.
Visit http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm for comprehensive information on flu vaccinations.
ARE VACCINATIONS LINKED TO AUTISM?
According to the CDC, no links have been found between any vaccine ingredients and autism. Read more on the subject here.
