Unvaccinated One-Year-Old Dies from Measles Complications

The Ministry of Health reports that a one-year-old toddler who was not vaccinated against measles has died today due to complications from the disease.

Like most of the other 10 measles-related deaths, the deceased children were previously healthy, with no underlying conditions, and had not been vaccinated. In this case too, the toddler was healthy until falling ill.

The Ministry of Health reiterates that measles is a preventable disease through a safe and effective vaccine.

The Ministry emphasizes the importance of seeking medical care promptly when symptoms appear or if infection is suspected. Timely medical attention saves lives.

Vaccination recommendations:

All children are recommended to be vaccinated at age one and again at age six as part of the routine immunization schedule.

In outbreak areas:

• Advance the second dose to 18 months of age.
• Additional vaccination is recommended for infants aged 6–11 months in outbreak areas or when traveling to locations with an outbreak.

Currently designated outbreak areas: Jerusalem, Beit Shemesh, Bnei Brak, Harish, Modiin Illit, Nof HaGalil, Kiryat Gat, Ashdod, Safed, Netivot, Haifa, Tiberias, the Mateh Binyamin Regional Council, and Tekoa.

In these areas, vaccinations are available at mother-and-child clinics, HMOs, and temporary vaccination stations set up to strengthen vaccination efforts, without prior appointment. The Ministry also recommends that those unvaccinated, as well as parents of infants who have received only one dose at ages 6–11 months, avoid large gatherings in cities with outbreaks due to the risk of infection.

Included is a video by the Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Safi Mandelovitz, and heads of pediatric intensive care units, highlighting the importance of measles vaccination. Photo credit: Ministry of Health.

Additionally, a video by the Chair of Leumit Health Services, Prof. Shlomo Mor Yosef, on measles and the vaccine is included. Photo credit: Ministry of Health.

Also included is a link to the Ministry of Health’s “Data World” for disease statistics: