Texas Moms Vaccinate Early Amid Measles Outbreak

Lubbock, Texas — Parents across Texas, like Kala Hunter and Harmony Montes, are acting swiftly to protect their children against a growing measles outbreak. With reported cases climbing, these mothers have chosen to vaccinate their infants earlier than usual.

In March, Hunter, 47, ensured her 2-year-old son, Brady, was fully vaccinated as their West Texas community faced a surge in measles cases. “Being in the hotbed of the measles outbreak, it was a no-brainer,” she said, trusting her pediatrician’s assurances about the safety of early vaccination.

Similarly, Montes, 21, vaccinated her 6-month-old daughter, Melody Rocha, during her checkup in April, stating, “We didn’t hesitate at all. I wasn’t going to risk her health.” Their experiences reflect a notable increase in early vaccinations, particularly among infants as the outbreak escalated.

Data from Truveta, a health care analytics company, shows a more than 30-fold rise in the number of 6-month-old babies getting vaccinated in April compared to the previous year. “Parents aren’t just getting the vaccine early; they’re getting it as early as they can,” said Nina Masters, a senior scientist at Truveta.

The MMR vaccine, typically administered in two doses around a child’s first birthday and again before kindergarten, is 93% effective after one dose and 97% effective after two. However, during outbreaks, the first dose can be given as early as 6 months old.

Dr. Ronald Cook, chief health officer at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, emphasized the importance of vaccinations in curbing viral spread, stating, “Public health measures, which include vaccinations, stop the spread of the virus, even in areas with outbreaks of measles.”

Historically, fewer than 2% of infants receive early vaccinations for measles, according to Truveta’s data, which analyzed electronic health records for tens of thousands of infants in Texas. This low percentage often reflects a lack of early vaccinations from routine practices unless an outbreak occurs.

In Lubbock, public health officials have reported a surge in MMR doses administered since the outbreak began, with Director Katherine Wells noting over 2,500 doses given beyond expected figures in the last three months. “This is a huge increase,” Masters said, indicating a shift in vaccination behavior.

Nationwide, a poll from the University of Pennsylvania found that 83% of Americans believe the benefits of the MMR vaccine outweigh any perceived risks. While vaccinations play a key role in outbreak control, healthcare experts recommend continued vigilance in other preventative measures.

The outbreak in Texas is showing signs of slowing, with fewer cases reported in recent weeks. Officials confirmed 722 measles cases on Tuesday, an increase of only four since the last update, reflecting a potential stabilization.

Parents like Gail Shooter, 38, of Lubbock, are taking action. After seeing the severe consequences of measles in nearby hospitals, she vaccinated her son, Connor, ahead of schedule. “It’s very scary,” Shooter said, voicing the concerns many parents share during this health crisis.