As the measles outbreak spreads across the globe, today would be a good opportunity to learn the facts about the safety of the MMR (measles mumps rubella) vaccine.
From the CDC –
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases there is. If 1 person has it, 9 out of 10 people close to that person who aren’t immune (protected) will also get measles. And it can be dangerous — serious cases of measles can lead to brain damage and even death.
Measles outbreaks are rare in the United States. But outbreaks can still happen in areas where groups of people don’t get vaccinated. In fact, outbreaks have recently increased around the world in places like Europe, Africa, and South America. Since measles is still common in other countries, people can get the disease when they travel — and spread it to people who aren’t vaccinated when they come home.
Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent measles. And when enough people get vaccinated against measles, the entire community is less likely to get it. So when you and your family get vaccinated, you help keep yourselves and your community healthy.
https://www.vaccines.gov/diseases/measles
