Legacy Community Health encourages measles vaccination

Legacy Community Health, Texas’ largest community health system with 34 clinics, today encouraged parents to vaccinate their children against measles and to watch for signs or symptoms of measles infection. Five cases of the virus have been confirmed this week in Harris and surrounding counties.

“Measles is an extremely contagious disease but is preventable with a safe and effective vaccine,” said Dr. Tamisha Jones, medical director for pediatrics at Legacy. “It’s especially critical for infants and the elderly to be immunized since measles can compromise the immune system. If your child has symptoms, such as a high fever, cold, and rash, they should been seen by a medical provider as soon as possible.”

Infection with measles can result in complications including pneumonia, seizures and even death.

Children need two doses of MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) for best protection. The first dose at 12 through 15 months of age, the second dose at 4-6 years old. Adults at high risk may require a booster vaccination.