In recent years, the resurgence of measles has become an alarming reality in the pediatric population—despite it being a vaccine-preventable disease. Once considered nearly eradicated in the United States, measles has made a troubling comeback. At Sandy Springs Pediatrics, we remain unwavering in our commitment to science-backed care and vaccine advocacy to protect our patients, families, and community.
Understanding the Threat of Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing. It can linger in the air for up to two hours, making exposure easy in shared spaces like schools, playgrounds, or even waiting rooms. Children who contract measles can experience high fever, cough, runny nose, and a characteristic rash—but it’s the complications that make measles so dangerous. According to the CDC, about 1 in 5 unvaccinated people in the U.S. who get measles will be hospitalized, and some will develop pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), or die from the disease.
Why Are Measles Cases Rising?
The growing number of measles outbreaks across the country can be directly traced to declining vaccination rates. Although the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is both safe and over 97% effective, increasing numbers of parents have delayed or declined vaccination due to misinformation circulating online and in social media spaces.
Vaccine hesitancy has become a public health concern—rooted not in new science, but in long-debunked myths.
Demystifying Vaccine Myths: What Every Parent Should Know
Myth #1: The MMR vaccine causes autism.
This myth originated from a discredited study published in 1998, which has since been retracted and thoroughly refuted by multiple large-scale studies. There is no credible scientific evidence linking the MMR vaccine to autism.
Myth #2: Natural immunity is better than vaccine-induced immunity.
While natural infection can lead to immunity, it comes at a very high cost—potentially including hospitalization or long-term complications. Vaccines allow children to develop protection without facing the dangers of severe illness.
Myth #3: Measles isn’t a serious disease.
Before widespread vaccination, measles caused hundreds of deaths and thousands of hospitalizations each year in the U.S. Worldwide, it remains a leading cause of vaccine-preventable deaths among children. Even in developed countries, serious complications can occur—especially for infants, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals.
Myth #4: Too many vaccines overwhelm a child’s immune system.
A child’s immune system is exposed to far more antigens daily than are present in vaccines. The CDC vaccine schedule is designed to maximize protection during the window when children are most vulnerable to disease—without overwhelming their natural defenses.
Our Practice’s Position: Vaccination Is Essential
At Sandy Springs Pediatrics, we follow the American Academy of Pediatrics and CDC immunization guidelines. We believe in science. We believe in trusted data. And we are deeply committed to protecting our patients from preventable illnesses like measles.
We counsel every family with compassion, facts, and individualized care. But we also maintain a firm stance: vaccinations are a cornerstone of public health. Keeping your child—and every child in our community—safe requires collective responsibility.
The return of measles is not just a medical issue—it’s a community wake-up call. Vaccines are not just a personal choice; they are a societal safeguard. By vaccinating your child, you’re not only protecting their health but helping prevent the spread of disease to others who cannot be vaccinated due to age or medical conditions.
We are here to answer your questions, address your concerns, and provide trusted pediatric care that prioritizes both your child’s health and the well-being of our greater community.
To schedule your child’s vaccinations or discuss your questions with one of our board-certified pediatricians, please call our office today. 404-252-4611