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Local doctor urges people to get vaccinated for measles

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there have been more than 100 cases of the measles in 14 states so far this year.
 
"Vaccinate your children against measles," Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colorado, said Tuesday. "There's no reason not to."
 
Some parents have chosen not to vaccinate their kids because of concerns over side effects.
 
Dr. Vandana Bhide from the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville said studies have shown the measles vaccine is safe.
 
"It's a very effective vaccine, so really I think parents can feel comfortable that this is a vaccine that is perfectly safe to give to their children," Bhide said.

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Action News spoke with some people in Jacksonville who said their families are vaccinated.
 
"I had my shots and my kids had their shots," Nicole Cassel said.
 
"I had a shot about 70 years ago and I don't think I've gotten the measles," Lou Shore said.

Local doctor: 'No link' between measles vaccine and autism

Bhide warns that adults who were vaccinated as kids may not be fully protected anymore.
 
Bhide said doctors only started giving the booster within the last 15 years.

Bhide said there’s no harm in getting a booster shot now if someone is unsure of a vaccination status, with the exception of pregnant women.

"For most people, it's healthy and it's safe for them to get a booster if they're unsure and especially if they're traveling overseas," Bhide said.
 
Florida has a vaccination registry for anyone looking to confirm a vaccination status.

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