On October 8, 2015, researchers from the IDSA (Infectious Diseases Society of America) announced that 12.5 percent of all children (8.7 million children) were not fully protected by vaccination for Measles, and that 24.7 percent of children age three or younger are at risk.Those who are not vaccinated or are undervaccinated are highly susceptible to becoming ill because measles is very contagious through direct contact and droplets that can spread through the air. Measles is one of the most contagious of the vaccine-preventable diseases, meaning to prevent sustained transmission, it's necessary to maintain the highest levels of immunity. The measles vaccine is given to children in two doses, the first at 12 to 15 months and the second at four to six years old. While children are required to receive the MMR vaccine before attending school, some are exempt because they have a medical issue, such as an immune disorder or cancer.
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Below this threshold, measles outbreaks are possible and could lead to widespread illness. Currently, measles is not widespread thanks to herd immunity, meaning the majority of people have been vaccinated, which ensures the number of people vulnerable to infection is small and helps protect those who can't be vaccinated by preventing their exposure to the measles
Below this threshold, measles outbreaks are possible and could lead to widespread illness. Currently, measles is not widespread thanks to herd immunity, meaning the majority of people have been vaccinated, which ensures the number of people vulnerable to infection is small and helps protect those who can't be vaccinated by preventing their exposure to the measles