Second measles vaccine dose for children to be given earlier
The Latvian government has amended the children's vaccination schedule, moving the second combined measles, mumps and rubella vaccine dose from age seven to age four.
The Latvian government has approved changes to the children's vaccination calendar, adjusting the timing of the second dose of the combined vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella.
What is changing
Previously, children received the second dose of this vaccine at the age of seven. Under the new schedule, it will instead be given at the age of four.
The change applies to the combined vaccine that protects against three diseases at once — measles, rubella and mumps (epidemic parotitis). The first dose is already administered at an earlier age, while the second dose is needed to strengthen immunity.
As a result, children will now achieve full protection against these diseases three years earlier than before.
