Health Tip of the Week, sponsored by Baton Rouge General: The truth about Vitamin A and the measles

While it’s true that vitamin A can be used in the treatment of severe measles infections, it does not prevent the disease, stop its spread, or cure it. The only prevention for measles is vaccination. The measles, mumps, and rubella, or MMR, vaccine is recommended at age 12-15 months, followed by a second dose at 4-6 years old. It is 97% effective at preventing the development of the measles and reducing mortality rates. The vaccine can be administered at any age and has been proven safe and effective since 1963. It has also been a requirement to attend school in all 50 states since 1980. Learn more about vitamin A and measles.