Summary
A measles outbreak in South Carolina poses risks for babies too young to receive the MMR vaccine. The outbreak has become the worst in the U.S. in over 35 years, with health officials urging protective measures like early vaccinations and maintaining high community vaccination rates.
Key Facts
- The South Carolina measles outbreak is the worst in the U.S. in more than 35 years.
- Babies typically get their first MMR vaccine dose at 12 to 15 months, but high-risk areas are allowing it at 9 months.
- Infants under 6 months cannot receive the MMR vaccine, leaving them vulnerable.
- Babies rely on "herd immunity," which needs 95% vaccination coverage in a community.
- In Spartanburg County, less than 90% of students are vaccinated, which is below the safe threshold.
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a high-ranking health official, has advocated for a more flexible vaccine policy, influencing public health funding.
- Approximately 1,000 measles cases have been reported in the South Carolina outbreak.
- Health professionals are offering early MMR vaccines to infants in affected areas.
