“Last week, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that, for the first time since 2020, an individual from the Commonwealth tested positive for measles, an announcement that concerns physicians from the Massachusetts Medical Society.
“Measles is a serious and highly contagious, airborne disease that can cause significant and even deadly health problems, especially in children or those with compromised immune systems, but it can be prevented by vaccination. As a family medicine physician,
I have always recommended vaccinations to my patients. The vaccine is safe and effective, and led to the eradication of the disease in 2000 before decreasing vaccination rates led to recent outbreaks in areas in the U.S., Europe, and other parts of
the world.
“We urge all individuals in Massachusetts to make certain that they are up to date on their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination. With the start of the 2024-2025 school year just a few weeks away, it is important that students are current on
their MMR and all vaccinations required to attend school to keep themselves and their communities healthy.
“The Medical Society remains staunchly supportive of the elimination of all non-medical vaccine exemptions for school-aged children, which can reduce the probability that lives will be endangered by vaccine-preventable disease. We encourage families who
have questions about the safety and efficacy of vaccines to speak with a health care provider about their concerns.
“If you have signs of measles - particularly cold-like symptoms and a distinctive red rash - or have been in contact with an individual who has tested positive, please notify your health care provider as soon as possible.”
-Hugh Taylor, MD, President, Massachusetts Medical Society
