McMeen Elementary

Greetings McMeen Families,

 As many of you may already know, there have now been 3 confirmed cases of measles in Colorado, with one case confirmation occurring in Denver County. 

In order to protect everyone here at McMeen it is extremely important to reach herd immunity. Herd immunity means that enough people are immune to a disease (via vaccine or medically confirmed history of disease) to make it hard for the infection to spread.

The recommended herd immunity percentage for measles is 95% vaccine compliance/confirmed medical history of disease. 

As of April 8, 2025, McMeen's MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) immunization compliance rate is approximately 83%. 

• Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that causes fever, rash, cough, runny nose, and red, itchy eyes. People with measles can spread the illness four days before the rash starts until four days after. The incubation period for measles ranges from 7 to 21 days. Two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine are 97% effective against measles.
   
• Make sure you and your family are current with the MMR vaccine or have evidence of immunity, especially if you plan to travel internationally or to areas in the United States where measles is spreading. If traveling to another country or to areas in the United States where measles is spreading, discuss vaccination with your health care provider before travel. For most individuals, MMR vaccines should continue to be given per the standard MMR vaccine schedule.  

An early dose of MMR is recommended for infants ages 6-11 months prior to international travel or to areas with measles outbreaks. Children 1 year of age and older who received one dose of MMR vaccine after their first birthday should receive a second dose of MMR vaccine spaced at least 28 days from the first dose before traveling to an area where measles is spreading. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tracks measles cases and outbreaks on its Measles Cases and Outbreaks webpage.

(https://cdphe.colorado.gov/diseases-a-to-z/measles, April 7, 2025)