Measles is one of the most contagious diseases there is. If 1 person has it, 9 out of 10 people close to that person who aren’t immune (protected) will also get measles. And it can be dangerous — serious cases of measles can lead to brain damage and even death.
The MMR shot protects your child from measles, a potentially serious disease, as well as mumps and rubella.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, and a rash all over the body.
However, a very small fraction of people get much sicker, and can suffer complications such as pneumonia and swelling of the brain. Measles can also cause pregnant women to deliver prematurely.
Whooping Cough
Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious disease that can be deadly for babies. Whooping cough can cause uncontrollable, violent coughing, which often makes it hard to breathe.
It is very important for your baby to get the whooping cough vaccine on time so he can start building his own protection against the disease. Since 2010, between 15,000 and 50,000 cases of whooping cough were reported each year in the United States, with cases reported in every state.
Free Immunizations at Canyonlands Healthcare
Canyonlands Healthcare is a participant in the Arizona Department of Health Services Vaccines for Children Program. Vaccines for Children provides free immunizations for eligible children birth through 18 years old. Also, under the Affordable Care Act, the health care reform law passed in 2010, insurance plans must cover recommended shots for kids. This means you may be able to get your child’s shots at no cost to you.
14 Diseases You Almost Forgot About (Thanks to Vaccines)
There are 2 vaccines that can prevent measles:
- The MMR vaccine protects children and adults from measles, mumps, and rubella
- The MMRV vaccine protects children from measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox
