As measles cases rise, Colorado notifies families of 75K kids about MMR vaccine
DENVER (KDVR) — With a resurgence of measles cases happening across the country, Colorado health officials sent emails and text messages to the families of 75,000 kids ages 4 to 6 whose records show they may be overdue for the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.
The goal is to increase MMR vaccination rates and prevent an outbreak.
“We’ve seen more cases of measles already in the U.S. this year than we saw last year, and it’s only the beginning of the year,” State Epidemiologist Dr. Rachel Herlihy said. “So we know that things have shifted and there’s more cases of measles happening right now.”
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According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, 121 cases of measles have been confirmed across 18 states since January. That includes an outbreak at a migrant shelter in Chicago.
Plus, an international traveler to Colorado tested positive in December.
“Any place where we have pockets of under-vaccination is really where we want to make sure that people have access to the vaccine and these important reminders to get up to date on vaccines,” Herlihy said.
The notifications explain that measles is more than just a rash: It is a serious disease that is highly contagious, and health officials hope their message reaches all communities.
“We have been working closely with our partners at the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment to ensure that vaccines are available to newcomers here in Colorado, and that includes vaccination efforts in schools, school-based clinics, in shelters as well as lots of opportunities for people to get up to date on vaccines,” Herlihy said.
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