In response to several New York City measles cases tied to international travel, the Department of Health urged residents traveling abroad, particularly to Israel and Europe, to be sure they are vaccinated against measles. Currently, there are measles outbreaks in Israel and Europe. The Department of Health strongly suggests all unvaccinated adults and children over the age of one get vaccinated before Pesach.
“Vaccinations are the safest and most effective way to protect yourself and others,” said Dr. Jane R. Zucker, the Health Department’s Assistant Commissioner for Immunization. “If you’re traveling to or returning from Israel for the approaching Passover holiday, be sure you’ve had your shots.”
Measles is a viral respiratory disease that can cause a fever, cough, red eyes and runny nose. The illness typically lasts five to six days, with a rash that starts on the face then spreads down the entire body. One in three people with measles develop complications such as diarrhea and pneumonia, which can lead to hospitalization and even death. The disease is more severe for infants, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. All confirmed measles cases in the city last year occurred in people who were unvaccinated and had traveled or lived overseas.
How to Help Prevent Measles
•All babies should be vaccinated for measles at age one. A second dose should be given at four to six years of age.
•If you and your family are traveling overseas and have not been vaccinated, call your regular doctor to get a measles shot. Because of the ongoing outbreaks, children between six months and 12 months should be vaccinated if they are traveling. Older children and adults need two doses of measles vaccine to be fully protected. New Yorkers can also call 311 for immunization clinic locations.
•If you are hosting family members from overseas, particularly from Europe and Israel, ask them to get vaccinated before coming to the United States. This will help protect your family and your community from measles.
Call the Department of Health at 311, or Council Member Felder’s office at 718-853-2704 for help with immunization locations.
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2 Responses
I think that Chicken Pox is going around too. I know a bunch of kids with it from E”Y.
On the recommendation of a doctor who suggested waiting till my kids were 10 to get the shot, to allow them to catch it and avoid the shot, I waited, and they did indeed catch it. From a kid who got the shot and got a mild case. My kids’ cases were as strong as the older ones’ were, who got it before the shot was around.