You do everything you can to keep your child safe. But sometimes the danger isn\u2019t visible\u2014until it\u2019s already here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Right now, measles is spreading again. It\u2019s back in Arkansas for the first time in years<\/a><\/strong>, with confirmed cases in children who were not vaccinated. This isn\u2019t just another headline. It\u2019s a wake-up call for parents across our state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At My Kids Pediatric Clinic<\/a><\/strong>, part of Healthy Connections Community Health Network<\/strong>, we believe protecting your child starts with facts\u2014backed by science and delivered with compassion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world. A single infected person can expose up to 90% of unvaccinated people around them. The virus spreads through coughing, sneezing, and can linger in the air for up to two hours after the person has left.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Measles is not a routine childhood illness\u2014it can cause pneumonia, brain swelling, hearing loss, and even death. Vaccination remains the safest and most effective way to prevent it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The CDC now recommends<\/a><\/strong> that infants aged 6 to 11 months<\/strong> may receive an early dose of the MMR vaccine<\/strong> during a measles outbreak. While this dose doesn\u2019t count toward the routine two-dose series, it does provide early protection in high-risk areas like Arkansas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At My Kids Pediatric Clinic<\/a><\/strong>, our providers will help you decide if early vaccination is right for your child. If your clinic doesn\u2019t have the vaccine on-site, we\u2019ll coordinate a prescription to your local pharmacy (for children 8 and older) or refer you to the Arkansas Department of Health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fact:<\/strong> Nearly all current cases are in unvaccinated individuals. The MMR vaccine is 97% effective after two doses and does not cause measles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fact:<\/strong> Vitamin A may reduce the severity of symptoms\u2014but it does not prevent or treat measles. Relying on this instead of the vaccine is dangerous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fact:<\/strong> Before the vaccine, hundreds of children in the U.S. died from measles each year. It\u2019s serious. And it\u2019s back because vaccination rates have dropped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2714 Check your child\u2019s vaccination record<\/strong> and catch up if needed You don\u2019t have to figure this out alone. At My Kids Pediatric Clinic<\/strong>, we talk with concerned parents every day. Whether you need help deciding on early vaccination, accessing a dose, or just want the facts\u2014we\u2019re here for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Call 888-710-8220<\/a> to schedule your child\u2019s appointment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWhy You Should Take Measles Seriously<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Who Is Most at Risk?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nMMR Vaccine Guidance: What\u2019s Changed?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Standard MMR Schedule:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nClearing Up Misinformation About Measles<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Myth: The MMR vaccine caused the outbreak.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Myth: Vitamin A prevents or cures measles.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Myth: Measles isn\u2019t serious anymore.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWhen Should My Child Get the Measles Vaccine?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nHow to Protect Your Family Right Now<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\u2714 Talk to a trusted pediatric provider<\/strong>\u2014not social media\u2014for accurate answers
\u2714 Schedule your child\u2019s MMR vaccine<\/strong> if they haven\u2019t had both doses
\u2714 Limit exposure<\/strong> in crowded areas if your child is too young or unable to be vaccinated<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWe\u2019re Here to Help You Make the Right Call<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n