Over 64% of Measles Cases in NY Are Children

The ongoing measles virus outbreak in the State of New York is reported to disproportionally impact children. 

According to Rockland County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert on May 2, 2019, “children 6 years and under account for about 56 percent (137) of the confirmed measles cases.” 

In New York City, of the 423 measles cases reported during the 2018-2019 outbreak, 64 percent (270) have been children 1-4 years of age. 

This data has motivated health officials to take legal action to protect children from the measles virus. 

On April 9, 2019, the NYC Health Commissioner ordered every child who lives or resides in identified zip codes and has not received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine to be vaccinated.   

The Commissioner said in a web statement, 'a child should get a measles vaccine on or after their 1st birthday. The 2nd measles vaccine dose is recommended before children enter school at 4 to 6 years of age. 

And, infants ages 6 to 11 months should also receive a dose of a measles vaccine before traveling internationally, since various countries are reporting extensive measles outbreaks.'

Children living in NY are eligible for no-cost measles vaccination. 

A program called Vaccines for Children (VFC) provides free vaccines for eligible children. And, depending on your family's income, your child may be eligible to join Medicaid or Child Health Plus, New York State's health insurance plan for children. 

For more information about the Health Department's Immunization Program, visit here. 

NY health officials say 'it's never too late to immunize your children.' 

In the USA, there are 2 approved measles vaccines, MMR-II and ProQuad, which are available from most pharmacies. 

Relevant Links:  CDC vaccination schedules, CDC vaccine price list, international travel alerts, and report vaccine side effects.