In response to a growing number of measles cases in Colorado, Western Colorado Pediatrics (WCP) is encouraging families to review their children’s vaccination status and schedule measles vaccinations as needed.
Three confirmed measles cases have now been reported in Colorado, raising concerns about impending community spread in our state.
“Measles is one of the most contagious viruses we know,” said Dr. Patrice Whistler, pediatrician at WCP. “It can linger in the air for up to two hours and infect 9 out of 10 unvaccinated people who are exposed. It can also lead to serious complications like pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death.”
Western Colorado Pediatrics has begun contacting families of patients 12 months and older who may not yet have received their MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine, urging them to come in for vaccination.
One dose of the MMR vaccine offers about 93% protection against infection and 97% protection from severe disease and hospitalization.
While two doses are recommended for full protection, WCP emphasizes that getting even one dose provides strong community-level protection and is critical to stopping the spread of measles, particularly for vulnerable groups like infants and immunocompromised children fighting cancer.
“We are proud to be the medical home for so many families,” added Dr. Whistler. “And part of that responsibility is keeping our community informed and protected. We’re here to answer questions and support families through this.”
Western Colorado Pediatrics encourages families to contact their clinic to confirm vaccination status or schedule an appointment at (970) 243-KIDS (5437).
