Article verified for accuracy by Alinea Stevens, MD
Physician/Medical Director
April 10, 2025
All parents want what is best for their children. At Chapa-De, we want to support the families in our local communities to thrive. For this reason, we are closely monitoring the measles outbreaks in Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, Oklahoma, Ohio and internationally. Measles is the most contagious virus in the world and can spread quickly in areas that have less people who have received the measles vaccine.
We recognize and understand that not all parents trust vaccines. We also know that an active outbreak of measles with childhood deaths in the U.S. is not usual. Some parents are considering if right now might be the right time for a Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR) vaccine. Dangerous false information is also spreading. Below we offer information that has been proven through rigorous scientific studies to help you to make a choice you are confident in.
- Vitamin A does not prevent measles but can make it less severe in patients that already have vitamin A deficiency (studies done in resource poor countries). In the United States, not many people have vitamin A deficiency (only 0.3%), and so studies done in this country do not show that vitamin A has been helpful. Too much vitamin A can be toxic.
- A healthy diet and regular exercise are important but cannot protect us from catching a very contagious disease like measles. Immune systems grow and learn based on what they have seen before. If they have not seen measles before, through vaccination, the body does not have the antibodies or cells to fight it.
- A Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine is the only proven way to prevent measles. Most people who are 6-months of age and older can receive the 2-dose series of the MMR vaccine. A booster is not recommended at this time for adults who previously received the vaccine series. Unless you received a less effective MMR vaccine between 1963 and 1967.
- If you are not immune to measles, please avoid travelling to areas with an active outbreak or seek out an MMR vaccine prior to travel. It takes 2-3 weeks after vaccination to be protected.
MMR vaccines are available for children and adults at Chapa-De. You can request one during a medical visit or schedule a quick vaccine only appointment.
These links will take you to trusted information where you can continue to research if the MMR vaccine is right for your family:
- Childhood Vaccinations Fact Sheet
- Childhood Vaccinations: Top 12 questions answered with the nuance you’re looking for
- Vitamin A and Measles: What the data show
- https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/immunizations/Pages/how-to-protect-your-children-during-a-measles-outbreak.aspx
- https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/measles.aspx
Schedule Now
Schedule time to talk to your provider about Measles and the vaccine. Schedule an appointment now using our app. Download the Healow app on the App Store and Google Play Store. Use provider code AHHIAD to get started.
Chapa-De Indian Health Auburn Grass Valley | Medical Clinic
PASSIONATE PEOPLE. COMPASSIONATE CARE.
Chapa-De provides medical care, dental care, optometry, behavioral health, pharmacy services and much more.
Serving all American Indian, Low Income and Limited Income Community Members
