Dear Patient Families of NSP,

As you may have seen in the news, there are some small outbreaks of measles occurring throughout the country, including in Chicago. Additionally, there has been a significant increase in measles around the world.  

Measles is a highly contagious virus that causes an illness featuring fever, rash, and respiratory symptoms.  Please see the AAP or CDC websites for further details about this vaccine-preventable illness.

Thanks to outstanding local vaccination rates, the vast majority of patients at North Suburban Pediatrics are protected from measles.

Our patients are typically vaccinated to measles with an MMR vaccine at their 12 or 15 month old well visit and again at their 4 or 5 year old well visit.  

This week the CDC updated their recommendations in regards to international travel: 

• If you are traveling outside the country with an infant 6-11 months old, it is recommended your infant receive an additional MMR vaccine at least 2 weeks prior to your trip.  
• If your child is over 12 months old and has not received 2 doses of their MMR vaccine after turning 1 (which is the case for most children under 4 years old), they should receive their 2nd MMR vaccine prior to travel. 
• All children in kindergarten or older should have had 2 doses of MMR vaccine and do not need any additional vaccines.

Please call us if you have upcoming international travel and think your child needs this immunization.

If you are concerned that your child may have been exposed or may be sick with measles, please call our office to discuss the best way for a medical evaluation to take place.  

Masking is still required for sick visits both during regular daytime office hours and walk-ins as this remains effective at reducing the spread of many viruses, measles included.

We will continue to communicate via email and our website if any new public health recommendations are forthcoming.  As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any concerns about your child’s health.  

Sincerely yours,

The Physicians at North Suburban Pediatrics