RIDOH recommends measles vaccinations amid national uptick in cases

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Health is recommending measles vaccinations among the national uptick in cases.

Public Information Officer Joseph Wendelken said that Rhode Island has an “extremely high vaccination rate,” but RIDOH is still keeping an eye on the uptick and are working on preparedness plans.

“Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and others against measles,” Wendelken said. “Measles vaccine is a routine vaccination given to children. Measles vaccine is usually given in two doses. It’s recommended that children get the first dose when they are 12 to 15 months old and the second dose when they are 4 to 6 years old. Measles vaccine is a combination vaccine that also protects against mumps and rubella – MMR vaccine.”

According to the CDC as of March 14 a total of 58 measles cases were reported nationwide.

“If you were born in or after 1957 and have never had measles or have never been vaccinated against measles, you should get vaccinated with two doses of MMR vaccine,” Wenelken added. “The second dose is given at least 28 days after the first dose. People born before 1957 were likely exposed to measles as children and do not need to be vaccinated with the MMR vaccine.”