Michigan health officials announced Tuesday that the state’s outbreak-related recommendation to vaccinate infants ages 6 to 11 months early for the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) in certain counties has ended.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued the new vaccine recommendations in April in response to the recent uptick of measles cases across Southeast Michigan.
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Over the next five weeks, the state reported seeing a 210% jump in early vaccine rates against MMR in the seven counties that received the recommendation — which included Washtenaw, Monroe, Wayne, Oakland, Jackson, Livingston and Lenawee counties.
“The increase in early MMR vaccines helped protect Michigan babies during this measles outbreak,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive, in a news release. “Measles is incredibly transmissible and because people can transmit the virus before they experience symptoms, we made this recommendation to keep the most vulnerable members of our communities safe.”
Though no more community transmission or outbreaks have been reported since the early dose recommendation was ordered, Bagdasarian says Michigan residents should still take steps to protect their families and communities by staying up to date on all vaccines.
Families still interested in vaccinating their babies early for MMR should talk with their healthcare provider. For more information about the measles in Michigan, visit michigan.gov/measles.