Minnesota physicians urge parents to get their children vaccinated before school-year starts

August 7, 2024

In late July, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) confirmed three measles cases in unvaccinated children in the Twin Cities metro area, which once again stresses the importance of getting children vaccinated.  

The best way to prevent measles and other communicable diseases is through immunization. Children should receive two doses of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine—the first at 12 to 15 months of age and the second at 4 to 6 years of age.  

“For all ages, it is important to talk to a physician to make sure you and your family are up to date on your immunizations,” says MMA President Laurel Ries, MD. “Diseases like measles have made a come-back because of low immunization rates. We thought we had these diseases beat years ago.”

Measles is a highly contagious rash illness, and can be a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and even death. Measles spreads easily by coughing, sneezing or even being in the same room with someone who has measles. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.  

Additional information about measles can be found on the MDH Measles website.

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About the Minnesota Medical Association

The Minnesota Medical Association is a non-profit professional association representing physicians, residents and medical students. With more than 10,000 members, the MMA is dedicated to being the leading voice of medicine to make Minnesota the healthiest state and the best place to practice.