Doctors urge earlier vaccinations due to rising measles risk

Oklahoma health officials are issuing a warning as the state confronts its share of a growing national measles outbreak. So far, 642 cases have been confirmed across 22 states, with nearly 500 of them in Texas.

In Oklahoma, 10 cases have been reported, prompting doctors to adjust their vaccination recommendations for young children.

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Traditionally, the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, was administered at 15 months alongside the chickenpox shot.

However, due to the outbreak, some Oklahoma pediatricians are now advising parents to begin the MMR vaccine series as early as 12 months.

According to the State Health Department, individuals born in 1989 or later are considered fully vaccinated if they’ve received the standard two-dose MMR series. However, those born before 1989 may have only received one dose, and health experts are encouraging those individuals to check with their physician about potentially getting a booster.

Doctors stress the importance of vaccination as the best defense against the highly contagious virus. They urge Oklahomans of all ages to review their immunization history and talk to their healthcare providers if they’re unsure of their vaccination status.