SPRINGFIELD, Pa. (WPVI) — Pediatricians are urging families to vaccinate their children against measles earlier than usual as Pennsylvania continues to see rising case counts during an ongoing outbreak.
At Drexel Hill Pediatrics, staff members are contacting families and offering early first doses of the measles vaccine to infants as young as 6 months old, as well as early second doses for toddlers.
“With the outbreak, we’re able to give those doses earlier,” Dr. Matthew McCarthy said.
“We’re really imploring people to come and get protected now,” he said.
The effort follows guidance from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, which is recommending measles vaccinations for infants younger than the standard vaccination age amid the outbreak.
Providers are also encouraging eligible children to receive second doses sooner in an effort to increase community immunity.
“After the first dose, we know that we’re protected by about 93%. After the second dose, up to 97% effective or more,” McCarthy said.
Health officials and physicians say declining vaccination rates are contributing to the spread of the disease.
“With the increase in vaccine hesitancy or outright vaccine refusal, we’ve seen the percentage coverage of those immunizations, in particular measles, mumps, rubella, decrease. And so that’s exactly why we’re seeing these outbreaks occur at this point,” McCarthy said.
The Department of Health is reporting 767 measles cases across Pennsylvania and four measles-related deaths.
Medical experts warn the outbreak could worsen as children return to school.
“We really think it’s going to get worse before it gets better, especially now that kids are in school. There’s just a lot more opportunities to congregate,” said Dr. Hazel Guinto, chair of pediatrics at Main Line Health.
Health officials note that measles is highly contagious and can remain in a room for up to two hours after an infected person leaves.
A new exposure concern has also been identified at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The exposure occurred Sept. 11 at several locations within the hospital.
In response, health experts are advising people who may have measles symptoms to call ahead before seeking medical care so hospitals and clinics can prepare.
“Self-declare before they enter emergency departments, urgent care settings, or even their primary care physician’s office,” Guinto said.
Doctors are encouraging anyone who is not protected against measles, including children who are eligible for vaccination, to get vaccinated.
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