Milwaukee Health Department urging citizens to get vaccinated against measles

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – The Milwaukee Health Department is urging the public to get vaccinated for measles after recent outbreaks in neighboring states. The Health Department recommends families look at their medical record to assure they have been vaccinated and if not get it done soon.

According to the Health Department, increased travel around the holidays raises the risk for transmission of measles.

In order to protect children against measles they need two doses. The first should happen as a baby and then the second dose between ages four and six, but the second dose can happen sooner as long as it's 28 days after the first dose.

Most adults who were born after 1956 need at least one dose of the measles vaccine. 

The Milwaukee Health Department provides the measles vaccination to eligible residents. Residents are encouraged to contact the Immunization program at 414-286-8034 to check their eligibility.