Prevention of Measles

Measles is almost entirely preventable with vaccination.

The vaccine

• Two doses of a measles-containing vaccine (MR or MMR) give about 97 per cent protection
• In India the first dose is given at 9 to 12 months and the second at 16 to 24 months, as per the national immunisation schedule
• Catch-up doses are available for older children and adults who missed them. Ask your doctor.
• Check the child's immunisation card and complete any missed dose

Who needs special care

• Babies under 9 months cannot be vaccinated and rely on those around them being protected
• Pregnant women must not receive the vaccine, so they should be checked for immunity before pregnancy
• People with weak immunity should ask a doctor first

After contact with a case

Speak to a doctor at once. A vaccine within 72 hours of contact, or immune globulin within 6 days, may prevent or lessen the illness in some people.

Stop spread

• Keep a sick child at home until 4 days after the rash starts
• Cover coughs and sneezes and wash hands often
• Air out rooms
• Tell the school and doctor, so that other children can be checked

Nutrition

Good nutrition and enough vitamin A reduce the severity of measles, but they do not prevent it.

Travel

Make sure you and your child are up to date on measles vaccine before travel.

Ayurvedic view

Ayurveda stresses hygiene, diet and strength. These support health, but they do not replace the vaccine.

Key point

Two vaccine doses and keeping sick children at home stop measles.