Special to IFN
The number of measles cases in the United States is rapidly increasing due to outbreaks across the country. Fortunately, there is a scientifically proven vaccine to protect you and your family against measles and other diseases.
Dr. Michael Tjahjadi of Iredell Pediatrics answered some frequently asked questions about the MMR vaccine.
Q: What are measles, mumps, and rubella, and why should you be concerned?
Dr. Tjahjadi: Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known. If one person is infected with measles, up to nine out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not protected. Measles may cause a fever, cough and a full body rash. Although some other viruses cause similar symptoms, measles is more dangerous in that it may lead to brain swelling, severe pneumonia and a suppressed immune system, otherwise known as “immune amnesia,” where the measles virus causes the immune system to “forget” previously acquired immunity, both from vaccinations and infections. One out of 5 may need hospital care, and between 1 and 3 out of 1,000 will die, even with medical treatment.
Mumps can cause painful swelling in the face, fever and fatigue. It sometimes leads to hearing
loss, brain swelling or infertility in males.
Rubella is usually mild but is dangerous for pregnant women. If a woman catches rubella while pregnant, her baby has up to a 9 out of 10 chance of having serious birth defects, deafness, or stillbirth.
Q: How does the MMR vaccine work?
Dr. Tjahjadi: The MMR vaccine contains a weakened form of the viruses. This alerts your immune system’s natural response to “practice” and therefore produce antibodies, which bolsters the body’s natural ability to recognize and fight off the real diseases if you’re ever exposed in the future. Consider it like “basic training” or “boot camp” for your immune system.
Here is a way to think about the goals of vaccines in general. The goals of any vaccine are: 1. Reduce deaths;
2. Reduce hospitalizations; 3. Reduce disease transmission; and 4. Reduce symptoms
For some diseases, the vaccine is incredibly effective at achieving all intended goals over a long period of time. For other diseases, due to the challenging nature of the virus (such as influenza changing year to year), the vaccine is still beneficial, though to a lesser extent. Fortunately, vaccination against measles, mumps, and rubella is very effective in achieving these goals when a large majority of the community is vaccinated.
Q: How effective is the MMR vaccine?
Dr. Tjahjadi: The MMR vaccine is very effective: For measles, 97 out of 100 people are protected after two doses. For mumps, 88 out of 100 people are protected after two doses. For rubella, 97 out of 100 people are protected after two doses. That means if an outbreak happens, unvaccinated people are at much higher risk.
Q: When should children get the MMR vaccine?
Dr. Tjahjadi: The CDC recommends first dose at 12-15 months old and second dose at 4-6 years old.
Q: Who should NOT get the vaccine?
Dr. Tjahjadi: The vast majority of children can safely receive the MMR vaccine. However, those with severe allergies to vaccine ingredients or significantly weakened immune systems should talk to a doctor first, although such cases are very rare.
Q: What are the potential consequences of not vaccinating children against measles, mumps,
and rubella?
Dr. Tjahjadi: Some people wonder, “If the vaccine works, why does it matter if others get vaccinated?” The answer is community protection, also known as “herd immunity.” No vaccine is 100 percent effective, so some vaccinated people may still get sick if exposed.
Certain groups can’t get vaccinated—this includes babies under 1 year old, or people with weakened immune systems (like those on chemotherapy).
When most people are vaccinated, diseases have a harder time spreading. This shields those who are too young, too sick, or unable to build strong immunity from these serious illnesses. But when fewer people vaccinate, diseases spread faster, putting the most vulnerable at risk. For example, in a 2019 measles outbreak in the U.S., nearly 90 percent of cases occurred in unvaccinated people—and babies too young for the vaccine were among those hospitalized.
Since early 2025, Texas has seen nearly 300 cases—some requiring hospitalization and sadly, at least one death. It was the first death from measles in a decade.
Vaccination not only protects your child but also helps prevent outbreaks in the community. Talk to your doctor about the MMR vaccine today.
LEARN MORE
D. Tjahjadi is accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment, call Iredell Pediatrics at (704) 380-6420.
About Iredell Health System
Iredell Health System includes Iredell Memorial Hospital; Iredell Davis Medical Center; Iredell Davis Behavioral Health Hospital; Iredell Mooresville; Iredell Home Health; Iredell Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center; Community and Corporate Wellness; Occupational Medicine; the Iredell Physician Network and more. Iredell Memorial Hospital is the largest and only nonprofit hospital in Iredell County. The comprehensive healthcare organization has 391 licensed beds; close to 2,000 employees; and has approximately 365 healthcare providers representing various specialties. Centers of excellence include Women’s and Children’s; Cardiovascular; Cancer; Surgical Services and Wellness & Prevention. The health system’s Iredell Mooresville campus is home to the area’s only 24-hour urgent care facility, as well as an ambulatory surgery center, imaging center, rehabilitation services, and physician practices. The mission of Iredell Health System is to inspire wellbeing. For a comprehensive list of services and programs, visit www.iredellhealth.org.