SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Health officials are recommending early measles vaccination for infants under one year of age living in or traveling to Washington County.

The general recommendation is for children to get their first MMR vaccine at 12 months. The MMR combines vaccines against measles, mumps, and rubella.

But cases are on the rise, especially in Washington County. So now the Utah Department of Health and Human Services said children in the area should get their first shot at six months.

“Babies are still developing their immune systems so they are at a greater risk of having more severe complications or illnesses if they do contract measles,” said Utah DHHS Epidemiologist Clarissa Keisling.

The main reason early vaccines are not recommended, Keisling said is that health officials

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