June 19: Pharmacy Fun Fact

What year was the second dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine recommended?

Answer: 1989

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended a routine second dose of the MMR vaccine in 1989 after a measles outbreak occurred among school aged children, some of whom had previously received 1 dose of the vaccine. It is now recommended that children receive the first MMR dose at 12-15 months and the second one at 4-6 years of age. Pharmacists can always play an important role in educating families on the importance of staying up to date on the MMR vaccine to prevent measles outbreaks.

REFERENCE

Immunization Action Coalition. Vaccine Timeline. https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/IgVVCn5PoPsNq6NF9W9-g?domain=immunize.org/. Accessed June 17, 2020.