Measles Awareness for Altoona Families: Check Your Child’s MMR Status

At Pediatric Healthcare Associates, keeping families informed is part of caring for children. Our home page carries a measles outbreak alert: we are keeping families up to date on current measles activity in the U.S., and we ask every parent to talk with their provider about their child’s MMR status. This post explains how to do that, and how to reach us if your child is sick. 

Start With Your Child’s MMR Status 

MMR is the vaccine that protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. The simplest step any Altoona-area parent can take right now is to find out whether their child’s MMR vaccines are up to date. If you are not sure, ask us. Our providers can confirm your child’s history at a visit or when you call either office. 

Where MMR Fits in the Vaccine Schedule 

PHCA follows the CDC’s recommended immunization schedule. According to the overview on our Health & Safety page, the schedule includes: 

  • Birth to 15 months: Hepatitis B, DTaP, Hib, Polio (IPV), Pneumococcal (PCV), Rotavirus, MMR, and Varicella 
  • 4 to 6 years: DTaP, Polio (IPV), MMR, and Varicella boosters
  • 11 to 12 years: Tdap, HPV series, and Meningococcal (MenACWY)
  • 16 to 18 years: Meningococcal booster, annual flu vaccine, and COVID-19 as recommended

Your provider will confirm the exact timing at each visit based on your child’s history. We follow this schedule and never delay vaccines without a documented medical reason. For the full national schedule, see the CDC Immunization Schedules. 

Behind on Vaccines? We Can Help 

Life gets busy, and many families fall behind. If your child is missing doses, our team can help you catch up on a delayed schedule or answer your questions, with no judgment, just guidance. Our FAQ page also covers vaccine questions, including what to do if your child is behind. 

Vaccines at Well-Child Visits 

Vaccines are given on schedule at well-child visits, exactly when they are due, and we explain them clearly beforehand. We always tell you in advance which vaccines, if any, are planned. Most insurance plans, including Medicaid, cover preventive well-child visits at no cost to you, though we recommend confirming your plan’s coverage with our billing team. 

If Your Child Is Sick 

Fever and rash are two of the most common reasons families come to us for sick care. Our Symptom Checker offers quick guidance on both and can help you decide your next step.

When your child needs to be seen, we hold same-day sick visit appointments every weekday. Call before 9 AM, or use the 8 to 9 AM walk-in window available at both offices. Sick visits happen in a separate waiting area from well-child appointments, so contagious illnesses stay contained and healthy visits stay healthy. After hours, a PHCA physician is on call 24 hours a day at (814) 944-7383. 

For true emergencies, such as difficulty breathing, severe injury, or unresponsiveness, call 911 or go directly to the ER. Our on-call physician can also help you decide if you are unsure. 

Ask Us About MMR Today 

If you have not checked your child’s MMR status lately, now is a good time. Call our Altoona office at 615 6th Avenue or our Roaring Spring office at 7664 Woodbury Pike, or contact us through our website. Established patients can also use the patient portal for records and messages. 

This information is for educational purposes only.