After girl with measles died, parents said they wouldn’t get MMR vaccine

The tragic death of a 6-year-old girl in West Texas after contracting measles has sparked a debate about the importance of the MMR vaccine. The young girl, named Kaylee, passed away on Feb. 26 after being hospitalized in Lubbock. Her parents, who reside in Seminole, Texas, shared their perspective on the MMR vaccine in an interview with Children’s Health Defense.

When Kaylee first fell ill, her parents suspected it was measles due to the outbreak in their community. Despite receiving medical treatment, Kaylee’s condition worsened, and she developed pneumonia in her left lung. Tragically, she passed away shortly after being admitted to the ICU.

Following their daughter’s death, Kaylee’s parents remain staunchly against the MMR vaccine. They believe that the measles infection was not severe and that their children were able to recover quickly from the illness. Despite their tragic loss, they do not plan to vaccinate their other children.

The parents also expressed their belief that the measles infection could help strengthen the immune system in the long run. They see their daughter’s passing as a wake-up call to lead a better life and draw closer to their faith.

In response to the outbreak, the Texas Department of State Health Services reported that the majority of measles cases were found in unvaccinated school-aged children. The agency emphasized the importance of the MMR vaccine in preventing the spread of measles, which is highly contagious.

Health experts like Dr. Nicole Saphier and Dr. Marc Siegel have underscored the effectiveness of the MMR vaccine in providing lifelong immunity against measles. They recommend a two-dose series of the vaccine to ensure protection against the virus.

The MMR vaccine is a live virus vaccine and should not be administered to pregnant women or immunocompromised individuals. For those traveling to areas with measles outbreaks, doctors advise getting a measles titer test to check immunity levels and receiving a booster if necessary.

As of March 20, there have been 378 confirmed measles cases in 18 U.S. states, according to the CDC. The tragic loss of Kaylee serves as a reminder of the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of infectious diseases like measles. It is a sobering reminder of the devastating impact that vaccine-preventable illnesses can have on individuals and communities.