My 6 month old baby has been exposed to the Measles... ?

Question

Does anyone have any experience with this? I've read that babies carry their Mom's immunizations up until it's time for their vaccination at 18 months. I'm hoping that my immunization is strong enough to keep my daughter from getting it.

Has anyone been in this situation? We were going to be around lots of people this weekend, so I was worried about whether or not she can be around because I don't want to expose others. My Dr said that she is not contagious unless she was a rash or a fever which she has neither. The Dr also said there's basically nothing we can do since she's already been exposed. Now it's just a wait and see if she gets it kind of thing....

I'm just wondering if anyone else has ever been in this situation and did you child get the measles?

Answer 1

"I've read that babies carry their Mom's immunizations up until it's time for their vaccination at 18 months"

18 months??? No that's waay wrong. My daughter has her shots at 2,4,6 months and included is the MMR shot (mumps, measles and rubella) Where do you live that children aren't vaccinated until 18 months?? I've never heard of that before. At any rate your child needs to see a doctor - one who vaccinates children in a timely manner, not at 18 months!  Measles is scary stuff. I hope she's okay.

Answer 2

Even before vaccines came along, measles was rare in children under 6-12 months, because they are born with immunities from mama.  

The odds of her getting sick are very, very low, and she would not be contageous at this point even if she does get sick.

Answer 3

I breastfed and my son was exposed to chicken pox (and he ended up getting them!) at 8 months old. So not sure about the whole mom's antibodies. He was around other children between the time he was exposed until the time the rash showed up. I was worried too, but none of the kids got the virus. So, you'll have to wait and see. If you notice a rash definately keep her away from others. Otherwise, there's nothing you can really do.

Answer 4

If you are breastfeeding her, then hopefully she as received enough of your antibodies to keep her protected.  You won't know until you know.

Answer 5

my children all had their first MMR shot given before they were 6 months old, so if I was in your situation I would call the pediatricians office and see if your daughter has indeed had her first dose yet.  If not, ask one of the nurses what you should watch for in order to try to catch it early if she gets measles.  If she is already exposed, there is nothing to do but cross your fingers and hope for the best.