MMR Vaccine Update

MMR Vaccine Update

During the past few weeks we have received numerous questions regarding the recent measles outbreak and the administration of the MMR vaccine. We are closely following the outbreak and the recommendations from the CDC, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Alabama Department of Public Health.

There have been no changes to the recommendations regarding MMR vaccinations for children. The first dose should be administered between 12 t015 months of age, with a booster dose between ages 4 and 6. There is no recommendation to administer the MMR vaccine prior to 12 months of age except in special situations that can be found on the CDC website

(www.cdc.gov). If you want your child to receive the MMR vaccine prior to 12 months of age we will administer the vaccine. Unfortunately, we have been informed by insurance carriers that this is not considered a covered service so you will be required to pay for this vaccine prior to administration. Your child will still be required to receive two doses of the MMR vaccine according to the normal vaccine schedule.

There is no recommendation to receive the booster dose of MMR vaccine prior to 4 years of age. However, the vaccine can be administered earlier if you so desire. This would complete the vaccine series for the MMR vaccine, and no additional doses will be required prior to school entry. Insurance coverage for administration in this setting should fall under the normal preventive services according to your health plan contract.

We have also had requests regarding MMR vaccination of parents. If requested, we will administer the MMR vaccine to parents. Once again, payment in full will be expected prior to administration.

Thank you for trusting us with the care of your child. Please understand that this is an evolving public health situation, and we are trying to manage public fear regarding disease outbreak with the recommendations put forth by the CDC, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Alabama Department of Public Health.