State Health Dept. Urges Measles Vaccinations
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - The Florida Department of Health is urging residents to get vaccinated for the measles if they haven't done so already.
While there have been no confirmed cases of measles among residents, health officials said four people with confirmed cases traveled through the state in the last two weeks.
"It's important all Floridians make sure they have received the measles vaccination because those who are fully immunized have very little risk of developing the disease," said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. "Out of an abundance of caution, it is important for those who think they may have been exposed to measles to contact their health care provider for guidance right away."
The push for vaccinations in Florida comes in the wake of a measles outbreak on the west coast which started at Disneyland and has grown to 100 cases. Most of those cases are in California.
A debate over vaccinations is raging among some South Florida parents over whether they are safe. One South Florida mother and doctor is outraged that some parents chose not to have their children vaccinated.
"There's no bona fide reason why parents shouldn't get their kids vaccinated. It's mostly people's fears of things that are no true," said parent Karen Bennett.
Children should be immunized against measles with the combination measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR) and should receive two doses, with the first at 12 to 15 months of age, and the second at four to six years of age. People with underlying health conditions should discuss with their health care provider to determine the need for additional booster doses.
"Vaccines are available at your local doctor's office and at all local county health departments at a minimal cost or free. These vaccines are safe and play a vital role in creating a barrier between the human population and this virus," said Dr. Alan Pillersdorf, President, Florida Medical Association. |
Measles is spread through the air by breathing, coughing or sneezing and is highly contagious. It can be transmitted from four days before the rash becomes visible to four days after the rash appears. The symptoms of measles generally begin approximately seven to 14 days after a person is exposed to someone with measles.
