Measles Outbreak Vaccination Guidance

Updated 4/7/11

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Measles Outbreak Vaccination Guidance (PDF: 156KB/1 page)

During the current measles outbreak vaccination recommendations vary, based on the location and age of the patient.

Vaccinating Children with MMR Vaccine

  • For all Minnesota health care providers:
 
  • Assess MMR vaccination status for every patient at every visit.
  • Recall and vaccinate children and adolescents age 1 year and older that have not received the first dose of MMR.
 
  • Follow the second-dose recommendations of ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices):
   
  • Give a second dose of MMR at 4-6 years of age.
  • For providers serving children living in Hennepin County and Somali children living in the greater metropolitan area:
 
  • Follow ACIP’s minimum age and interval recommendations for vaccination with MMR during a measles outbreak.
   
  • Give the first dose of MMR on (or as soon as possible after) the first birthday, followed by a second dose 28 days later.
  • Note: ACIP states that the second dose of MMR may be given earlier than age 4-6 years as long as it is given at least 28 days after the first dose.

Vaccinating Adults with MMR Vaccine

  • For all Minnesota health care providers:
 
  • Unless there is a medical contraindication, give at least one dose of MMR to adults who were born in 1957 or later who do not have documentation of one or more doses of MMR. (Adults born before 1957 are generally considered immune to measles.)
 
  • Give a second dose of MMR at least 28 days later to:
   
  • Adults in an outbreak setting (In this outbreak, specific adults have already been contacted by the health department and directed to go to their provider.)
  • Students in post-secondary educational institutions
  • Persons who work in a health care facility
  • Persons who plan to travel internationally
  • Anyone who would like the additional protection of a second dose of MMR

General Considerations

  • MMR vaccination given within 72 hours of exposure to measles virus may provide some protection against disease. If given during the presymptomatic or prodromal stage of illness MMR does not increase the risk for vaccine-associated adverse events.

 

Updated Thursday, 07-Apr-2011 14:12:02 CDT