MMR, Measles, Mumps Rubella? Red Measles, German Measles, Hard Measles, 3-day Measles, Measles outbreak in southern Iowa? Three shots instead of one shot. Make American Healthy Again, MAHA?
These terms and topics are appearing frequently in today’s news headlines.
I am using this opportunity to share information with you.
The President and Director of Health and Human Services are recommending the MMR vaccines be administered in separate doses.
MMR, the abbreviated name for the vaccine given to children at 12-15 months of age is to prevent mumps, measles, and rubella. The second dose is usually administered at 4-6 years of age. The triple vaccine was first developed and administered in 1971.
Mumps, as some readers who experienced them will recall, results in swollen, painful cheeks, and may include a low-grade fever or a general feeling of fatigue.
Measles or Red Measles may also be called Hard Measles. It is caused by the rubeola virus, and is easily spread and results in high fever, runny nose, and a widespread rash.
Rubella or German measles may also be called Three Days Measles because the rash may only last three days. It produce a mild fever but is very dangerous. If exposure occurs during pregnancy it may result in serious birth defects.
All these viruses create symptoms that will be uncomfortable for children who have not received the MMR vaccine.
In late August of 2026, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services identified 15 measles cases in southern and central Iowa. This was nearly double the number for 2025. The agency says 13 of the 15 cases were individuals who had not received the vaccine. Nationwide, on Aug. 20 the Centers for Disease Control reported 2,777 confirmed measles cases in 47 jurisdictions.
National Health and Human Services director Robert Kennedy Jr, along with the current president has called for separation of the vaccine viruses into three different shots, resulting in three trips to the health practitioner at one year of age, and three shots at the time the booster dose is needed.
This results in increased health care costs, a working parent needing to take leave from their job, and of course, the child’s fear and discomfort.
The pronouncement by Kennedy calling for separation or not vaccinating children resulted in the Association of Pediatricians calling for his removal. The American Academy of Pediatrics has also been critical of this decision.
Parents of children needing to be immunized may be concerned about the suggestion linking MMR to autism. This concern first emerged in 1998 from a paper written by Andrew Wakefield. That paper was subsequently found to be flawed and fraudulent. The Centers for Disease Control further mystified and confused the public when its website was changed in 2025 indicating some questions have not been ruled out. HOWEVER, THAT DOES NOT MEAN THERE IS SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE SHOWING VACCINES CAUSE AUTISM.
Parents and grandparents reading this should listen and trust their medically-educated health practitioners regarding immunizations for children.
VIEW FROM MY WINDOW is submitted by Mary Weaver, former public health nurse and rural Rippey resident.
