Celebrating 11 Years of Building Young Readers

Castle Valley Children’s Clinic is proud to celebrate 11 years of partnership with Reach Out and Read Colorado. Through this program, our healthcare providers help families make reading a regular part of childhood by sharing trusted literacy guidance, modeling reading during well-child visits and giving children high-quality books to take home.

Reading together supports much more than school readiness. It helps strengthen language development, encourages meaningful interaction between children and caregivers and creates routines that can support healthy growth and development.

Thousands of Books Shared With Local Families

Over the past 11 years, Castle Valley Children’s Clinic has prescribed 8,050 high-quality books to children and their families. During the most recent year, 744 books were shared through the clinic, helping families continue building their own home libraries.

At our Carbondale location, providers have prescribed 4,229 high-quality books over the past 11 years. An additional 775 books were shared with Carbondale families during the most recent year.

Combined, these efforts have placed thousands of books directly into the hands of children throughout our community.

Why Books Belong in Well-Child Visits

Books are a valuable tool during pediatric visits. A healthcare provider can use a book to connect with a child, observe how the child communicates and interacts and offer practical guidance to parents about reading together at home.

Supporting Developmental Surveillance

Watching a child interact with a book can help providers observe gross motor, fine motor, cognitive, language, communication and relational development. Turning pages, pointing to pictures, naming familiar objects and responding to a caregiver’s voice can all provide useful insight during a well-child visit.

Modeling and Guidance for Parents

Reading does not have to mean finishing every word on every page. Meaningful reading can include pointing to pictures, talking about the story, naming colors and objects, asking questions or letting a child turn the pages.

Reading together may look different at every age. Babies may enjoy hearing a caregiver’s voice and looking at colorful pictures. Toddlers may point, repeat words or ask to hear the same story again. Older children may answer questions, predict what happens next or help tell the story.

Building Connection Through Reading

When families use books during everyday routines, they create opportunities for conversation, connection and learning. Even a few minutes of reading together can help children build vocabulary, strengthen listening skills and develop a positive relationship with books.

By incorporating books into well-child care, Castle Valley Children’s Clinic and Reach Out and Read Colorado help families create meaningful moments that support healthy growth and development.

Simple Ways to Read Together at Home

• Let your child choose the book whenever possible.
• Point to pictures and name what you see.
• Ask simple questions about the characters or story.
• Allow young children to turn the pages.
• Use different voices and expressions to make the story engaging.
• Read favorite books repeatedly.
• Keep books where children can easily reach them.
• Make reading part of bedtime or another daily routine.

Thank You to Reach Out and Read Colorado

We are grateful to Reach Out and Read Colorado for its continued partnership and commitment to early childhood literacy. We also appreciate the families, healthcare providers, donors and community partners who help make this program possible.

Castle Valley Children’s Clinic remains committed to helping children grow into healthy, confident and enthusiastic readers—one visit and one book at a time.

Program impact figures were provided by Reach Out and Read Colorado for Castle Valley Children’s Clinic and Castle Valley Children’s Clinic: Carbondale.

Drowning Prevention: Simple Steps That Can Save a Child’s Life

Swimming, boating and spending time around the water can create some of the best summer memories for families. Unfortunately, drowning can happen quickly—sometimes in less than a minute—and it is frequently silent.

Unlike the dramatic scenes often shown in movies, a child who is drowning may not be able to yell, wave or splash for help. Close supervision and a few important safety precautions can help prevent a tragedy.

Always Stay Within Arm’s Reach

Young children should always have close, undistracted adult supervision when they are in or around water. For infants, toddlers and inexperienced swimmers, the supervising adult should remain within arm’s reach.

It is especially important to avoid the false sense of security that can happen when several adults are present. Each adult may assume someone else is watching the children. Instead, designate one responsible adult as the active “water watcher.”

The water watcher should avoid distractions such as:

• Cellphones
• Reading
• Long conversations
• Preparing food
• Alcohol
• Leaving the pool area, even briefly

Learn CPR Before an Emergency Happens

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, commonly called CPR, can help keep oxygen moving through the body until emergency medical professionals arrive.

Parents, grandparents, babysitters and other caregivers should consider completing an infant and child CPR course. Knowing what to do during the first few minutes of an emergency could save a child’s life.

Keep emergency numbers readily available and always call 911 immediately when a drowning or near-drowning incident occurs.

Empty Small Water Containers After Use

Swimming pools are not the only places where children can drown. Even a small amount of water can be dangerous to an infant or toddler.

Empty and properly store water containers immediately after use, including:

• Buckets
• Kiddie pools
• Bathtubs
• Coolers
• Large pet water containers
• Decorative fountains
• Other containers that can collect standing water

Toilets can also present a risk to very young children. Keep bathroom doors closed and consider using toilet lid locks when appropriate.

Remove Toys From the Pool

Pool toys can attract children back toward the water after swimming time is over. Remove balls, floats, goggles and other toys from the pool and surrounding area when they are not being used.

Children should never be allowed to retrieve a toy from the water without an adult present.

Use Four-Sided Pool Fencing

Home swimming pools should be surrounded by a four-sided fence that completely separates the pool from the house and yard.

The fence should include a self-closing and self-latching gate. The latch should be positioned high enough that a young child cannot easily reach or open it.

Pool alarms, gate alarms and secure pool covers can provide additional protection, but they should never replace proper fencing and adult supervision.

Enroll Children in Swim Lessons

Age-appropriate swim lessons can help children become more comfortable and capable in the water. Lessons may teach floating, basic swimming skills and how to reach the side of a pool.

However, swim lessons do not make a child “drown-proof.” Children who know how to swim still require close adult supervision whenever they are near water.

You can view local Garfield County swimming holes that offer swim lessons below.

• Rifle Metro Pool: View Website
• Glenwood Rec & Community Center: View Website
• Carbondale Rec Center: View Website

Use Proper Life Jackets

Children should wear a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket when boating or spending time around lakes, rivers, ponds and other open water.

Inflatable pool toys, water wings and swimming rings are not substitutes for approved life jackets. These products may deflate, slip off or give adults and children a false sense of security.

A properly fitted life jacket should be appropriate for the child’s weight and should not ride up over the child’s face when lifted at the shoulders.

If a Child Is Missing, Check the Water First

If a child cannot be found, immediately check all nearby sources of water before searching elsewhere. Every second matters during a drowning emergency.

Check:

• Swimming pools
• Hot tubs
• Ponds
• Creeks
• Bathtubs
• Kiddie pools
• Buckets and other water containers

Call 911 immediately if a child is found unresponsive or struggling in the water.

Remember That Hot Tubs Pose a Risk

Hot tubs can be dangerous to young children because of their depth, heat and powerful suction systems.

Keep hot tubs covered with a securely latched safety cover whenever they are not being used. Children should never be allowed to enter or play near a hot tub without close adult supervision.

Drowning Is Frequently Silent

A drowning child may not be able to shout for help. Their head may be low in the water, their mouth may be near the surface, or they may appear to be climbing an invisible ladder.

Other warning signs may include:

• Gasping or struggling to breathe
• Hair covering the eyes or face
• Eyes that appear glassy, closed or unfocused
• Trying to roll onto the back
• Making little or no forward progress while swimming
• Being unusually quiet or motionless in the water

Never assume that a quiet child in the water is safe. Check immediately whenever something does not look right.

Create Layers of Protection

No single water safety measure is enough on its own. The safest approach uses several layers of protection, including:

• Close and undistracted adult supervision
• Four-sided pool fencing
• Self-closing and self-latching gates
• Age-appropriate swim lessons
• Properly fitted life jackets
• Secure hot tub and pool covers
• CPR training for parents and caregivers
• Removing toys and emptying water containers after use

Enjoy the Water Safely

Drowning can happen quickly and quietly, but many drowning incidents are preventable. Staying alert, preparing for emergencies and creating multiple layers of protection can help keep children safe around pools, ponds, lakes, bathtubs and other sources of water.

If you have questions about your child’s health, development or safety, contact the team at Castle Valley Children’s Clinic. We are here to help families build healthy and safe lives from the start.

Top 10 Questions Parents Ask About Heat Illness

Hot weather can become dangerous quickly for children, especially infants, young children, athletes and kids spending long periods outside. Children may not recognize the early signs of overheating or remember to stop, drink water and cool down.

Here are answers to ten common questions parents ask about heat exhaustion, heat stroke, hydration and keeping children safe during hot weather.

1. What Is the Difference Between Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke?

Heat exhaustion happens when the body loses too much water and salt, often after heavy sweating. A child may feel weak, dizzy, nauseated, thirsty or unusually tired.

Heat stroke occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature. It can affect the brain and other vital organs and may cause permanent injury or death without immediate treatment.

Heat Exhaustion	Possible Heat Stroke
Heavy sweating	Confusion or altered behavior
Cool, pale or clammy skin	Fainting or loss of consciousness
Headache or dizziness	Seizure
Weakness or fatigue	Very high body temperature
Nausea or vomiting	Hot skin that may be dry or sweaty
Muscle cramps	Loss of coordination or slurred speech

2. What Are the Early Warning Signs of Heat Illness?

Children do not always say that they feel overheated. Parents, coaches and caregivers should watch for changes in behavior and physical ability.

• Unusual tiredness or sleepiness
• Headache
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Intense thirst
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea or vomiting
• Heavy sweating
• Pale, cool or clammy skin
• Irritability
• Loss of coordination
• Urinating less often than normal

Stop the activity and begin cooling the child as soon as these symptoms appear.

3. What Should I Do If My Child Shows Signs of Heat Exhaustion?

1. Stop the activity immediately.
2. Move the child into air conditioning, shade or another cool place.
3. Remove unnecessary clothing and sports equipment.
4. Apply cool, wet cloths or use a cool shower or bath.
5. Offer frequent sips of cool water if the child is alert and able to drink safely.
6. Do not allow the child to return to activity that day unless a healthcare professional says it is safe.

Seek medical care if symptoms are severe, worsen or do not improve promptly after cooling and hydration.

4. Can a Child Still Have Heat Stroke If They Are Sweating?

Yes. Although hot, dry skin is often associated with heat stroke, a person experiencing heat stroke may still be sweating heavily.

Parents should not use sweating alone to decide whether a child is safe. Confusion, fainting, seizures, loss of coordination, altered behavior and a very high body temperature are more concerning signs.

5. How Much Water Should Children Drink in Hot Weather?

Children should drink water before, during and after outdoor activity. They should not wait until they feel thirsty because thirst may occur after dehydration has already started.

During vigorous sports or exercise, the American Academy of Pediatrics offers the following general guidance:

• Children ages 9 to 12: About 3 to 8 ounces of water every 20 minutes.
• Teenagers: About 34 to 50 ounces per hour during vigorous activity.

These are general estimates. A child's needs can vary based on age, size, activity level, temperature, humidity, clothing and medical conditions.

6. Are Sports Drinks Better Than Water?

For most routine outdoor play and activities lasting less than an hour, water is usually the best choice.

An electrolyte drink may be helpful during prolonged, vigorous exercise lasting longer than an hour or when a child has been sweating heavily. Sugary drinks and energy drinks should not replace water.

Children with vomiting, diarrhea, chronic medical conditions or signs of significant dehydration may need individual guidance from a healthcare professional.

7. When Is It Too Hot for Children to Play Outside?

There is no single temperature that is safe for every child. Parents should consider the heat index, humidity, direct sunlight, activity intensity, access to shade and water, clothing and the child's health.

A heat index of 90°F or higher can increase the risk of heat illness, particularly for babies, young children and active children. Risk becomes even greater during strenuous exercise and when the heat index approaches or exceeds 105°F.

On very hot days:

• Schedule outdoor activities during the morning or evening.
• Shorten practices and play sessions.
• Provide frequent water and shade breaks.
• Reduce the intensity of activity.
• Cancel or move activities indoors when conditions become dangerous.

8. Which Children Are at Greater Risk?

Any child can develop heat illness, but some children need additional precautions.

• Infants and very young children
• Children who are not accustomed to hot weather
• Children participating in intense sports or wearing heavy equipment
• Children who are overweight or have obesity
• Children with heart, lung, kidney or other chronic health conditions
• Children who have recently been sick with fever, vomiting or diarrhea
• Children taking medications that may affect hydration, sweating or temperature regulation
• Children without reliable access to air conditioning or cool spaces

Ask your child's healthcare provider whether a medical condition or medication requires special heat precautions.

9. Can a Parked Car Become Dangerous Even With the Windows Open?

Yes. A parked vehicle can become dangerously hot in a short period of time, even when the outside temperature does not feel extreme and even when the windows are cracked.

Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle for any length of time.

Helpful habits include:

• Check the entire vehicle before locking it.
• Place a necessary item, such as your phone, purse or work bag, near the child's car seat.
• Ask your childcare provider to call if your child does not arrive as expected.
• Keep parked vehicles locked so children cannot climb inside.

10. When Should I Call My Child's Healthcare Provider?

Contact your child's healthcare provider if your child develops concerning symptoms after heat exposure, especially when symptoms do not improve promptly after moving to a cool place, resting and drinking fluids.

Call for medical guidance if your child:

• Continues vomiting
• Cannot keep fluids down
• Has persistent dizziness or headache
• Is unusually sleepy or difficult to engage
• Has not urinated for many hours
• Has symptoms that return after initial improvement
• Has an underlying medical condition that increases heat risk
• Is not acting like themselves

Sources and Additional Reading

• American Academy of Pediatrics: Heat-Related Illnesses
• American Academy of Pediatrics: Keeping Active Kids Safe in Hot Weather
• American Academy of Pediatrics: Extreme Heat Safety for Children
• American Academy of Pediatrics: Healthy Hydration
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Heat-Related Illnesses
• National Weather Service: Heat Safety for Kids and Teens

This information is intended for general education and should not replace medical advice from your child's healthcare provider. In an emergency, call 911.

Heat Exhaustion vs. Heat Stroke: Know the Difference

Extreme heat can become dangerous fast, especially for children, older adults, people with chronic health conditions, outdoor workers, athletes, and anyone without reliable air conditioning. Knowing the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke can help you act quickly and possibly save a life.

Heat Exhaustion Warning Signs

• Heavy sweating
• Cool, pale, or clammy skin
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea or vomiting
• Thirst
• Rapid, weak pulse

What to do: Move to a cooler place, sip water or a sports drink, cool down with wet cloths or a cool shower, and rest. If symptoms get worse, call 911.

Heat Stroke Warning Signs

• Hot, red, or dry skin
• Confusion or disorientation
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Very high body temperature
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of consciousness

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately. Move the person to a cooler place and begin cooling them down with cold cloths, ice packs, or cool water. Do not give fluids if the person is confused, unconscious, or unable to drink safely.

6 Tips to Stay Cool

1. Hydrate early and often. Do not wait until you feel thirsty.
2. Stay in a cool place. Use air conditioning when possible or visit a cooling center, library, mall, or public building.
3. Dress light. Wear loose, breathable clothing and a wide-brimmed hat outdoors.
4. Limit time outside. Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.
5. Protect your skin. Use sunscreen, seek shade, and wear sunglasses.
6. Check on others. Older adults, children, people with chronic conditions, pets, and anyone without air conditioning may need extra help.

Extreme heat is serious, but many heat-related illnesses are preventable. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and check on your neighbors.

Wildfire Smoke and How to Protect Your Child’s Lungs During Fire Season

Wildfire season can bring smoky skies, poor air quality, and respiratory concerns for families across Western Colorado, including New Castle, Carbondale, Garfield County, and surrounding communities. Even when a fire is not close to your home, smoke can travel long distances and affect children’s breathing, especially on hot, dry, or windy days.

At Castle Valley Children’s Clinic, we want local families to know how wildfire smoke can affect children, when to limit outdoor activity, and where to find reliable emergency and health information.

Why Wildfire Smoke Can Be Harder on Children

Children are not just smaller adults. Their lungs are still developing, and they breathe more air for their body size than adults. That means smoke, ash, and fine particles in the air can irritate their lungs more quickly.

Wildfire smoke may cause symptoms such as:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Sore or scratchy throat
• Burning or watery eyes
• Runny nose
• Headaches
• Chest tightness
• Worsening asthma or allergy symptoms

Children with asthma, allergies, chronic lung conditions, heart conditions, or recent respiratory illness may be more sensitive to smoky air.

When Should Kids Stay Indoors?

Smoke conditions can change quickly in Western Colorado. If you can smell smoke, see haze, or notice your child coughing more than usual, it is a good idea to limit outdoor activity.

Families should consider keeping children indoors when:

• The air smells smoky
• Visibility is reduced by haze
• Air quality alerts are issued for your area
• Your child has asthma or breathing problems
• Your child starts coughing, wheezing, or complaining of chest discomfort outside

On smoky days, avoid long periods of outdoor play, sports practices, bike rides, hikes, or strenuous activity. Children breathe faster during exercise, which can pull more smoke particles into their lungs.

How to Keep Indoor Air Cleaner

During smoky conditions, the goal is to reduce your child’s exposure as much as possible.

• Keep windows and doors closed.
• Use air conditioning on recirculate if available.
• Use a portable HEPA air purifier in the room where your child spends the most time.
• Avoid burning candles, incense, or wood fireplaces indoors.
• Avoid vacuuming unless your vacuum has a HEPA filter.
• Do not smoke or vape indoors.
• Change HVAC filters regularly if your home has central air.

If your home becomes too smoky or hot, consider spending time in a cleaner indoor space, such as a library, community building, or another location with filtered air.

Extra Precautions for Children With Asthma

Wildfire smoke can trigger asthma flare-ups. If your child has asthma, make sure you are following their asthma action plan and that rescue medications are available and not expired.

Parents should watch for:

• More frequent coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Needing a rescue inhaler more often than usual
• Symptoms that wake your child at night
• Difficulty keeping up with normal activity

If your child’s asthma symptoms are getting worse or their medication does not seem to be helping, contact your healthcare provider. You can also visit our pediatric services page to learn more about care available through Castle Valley Children’s Clinic.

When to Seek Medical Care

Call your child’s healthcare provider if your child has persistent coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, or worsening asthma symptoms.

Seek emergency care right away if your child:

• Is struggling to breathe
• Has blue lips or face
• Cannot speak in full sentences
• Has ribs pulling in while breathing
• Seems confused, extremely sleepy, or unusually weak
• Has symptoms that are not improving with prescribed rescue medication

For appointments or questions, visit our contact page. Castle Valley Children’s Clinic serves families from our New Castle and Carbondale locations.

Trusted Local Fire and Safety Resources

During wildfire season, it is important to use reliable sources for evacuation notices, emergency alerts, fire maps, and health information. Social media rumors can spread quickly, so always confirm important safety information with official resources.

Garfield County Emergency Alerts

Garfield County emergency notifications can help families stay informed about fires, evacuations, road closures, severe weather, and other urgent public safety updates.

Visit GarCo911 for local emergency alert information.

Watch Duty Wildfire Updates

Watch Duty is a useful tool for tracking nearby wildfires, fire perimeters, evacuation areas, and incident updates. It can help families understand what is happening around them as conditions change.

View current wildfire information on Watch Duty.

Children’s Hospital Colorado Mobile App

The Children’s Hospital Colorado mobile app gives families access to pediatric urgent care and emergency care information. This can be helpful when you are deciding where to go or what level of care your child may need.

Learn more about the Children’s Hospital Colorado mobile app.

PurpleAir Air Quality Map

The PurpleAir air quality map gives families access to real-time air quality readings in their area. This can be helpful when deciding whether it is safe for children to play outside, attend outdoor activities, or if it is better to stay indoors during smoky conditions.

Check real-time air quality with PurpleAir.

Simple Steps Can Help Protect Little Lungs

Wildfire smoke can be stressful for families, especially when children already have asthma, allergies, or breathing concerns. The good news is that small steps can make a big difference. Check local fire and air quality updates, keep indoor air as clean as possible, limit outdoor activity when smoke is present, and watch your child closely for symptoms.

Castle Valley Children’s Clinic is here to support families in New Castle, Carbondale, and the surrounding Western Colorado communities. If your child is having respiratory symptoms or you are concerned about smoke exposure, please contact our clinic or review our patient resources before your visit.

New Hours Starting Monday, June 29th!

Our summer hours will be in effect at both locations in New Castle and Carbondale.

Monday: 9:00am-5:00pm
Tuesday: 9:00am-5:00pm
Wednesday: 9:00am-5:00pm
Thursday: 9:00am-5:00pm
Friday: 9:00am-5:00pm

**Please note that these hours are in effect from June 29th – August 14th.**

Congrats To Esme On Passing Her Social Work License Exam

Castle Valley Children's Clinic staff member Esme has recently passed her social work license exam. We want to congratulate and thank her for all the hard work she has put in over the years!

If you would like to learn more about what Esme does at Castle Valley, you can read about our behavioral health services here.

Congrats To Courtny On Graduation Her Bachelor Of Nursing Program

Castle Valley Children's Clinic staff member Courtny has recently graduated from CMC with her Bachelor of Nursing degree. We want to congratulate and thank her for all the hard work she has put in over the years!

New Castle Bike Rodeo

Join us for the Annual New Castle Bike Rodeo on May 3oth.

Where: Elk Creek Elementary 804 West Main St.

Free Event Activities: 

• Bike Obstacle Course
• Free bike helmets
• Free BBQ lunch
• Bike Raffle
• Goodie bag giveaway
• Dunk tank
• Bike tune-up
• Foam Machine

Kids must be accompanied by parent or guardian.

Scheduling an Appointment

New Castle Location: 820 Castle Valley Blvd Ste 204, New Castle, Co 81647 (View On Google Maps)

Carbondale Location: 2615 Dolores Way Unit 103, Carbondale, CO 81623 (View On Google Maps)

We’re proud to extend our care to the adults in your family, helping you stay healthy and well for the ones who depend on you most.

Castle Valley Children's Clinic: Your trusted partner in children's health in western Colorado.

Measles Vaccine for Children: What Parents Need to Know

Measles is one of the most contagious childhood illnesses, but it is also highly preventable with vaccination. At Castle Valley Children’s Clinic, we help families stay on schedule with safe, effective vaccines that protect children and the community.

What is Measles?

Measles is a serious viral infection that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can cause fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash that spreads across the body.

Measles can lead to complications such as ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, brain swelling, hospitalization, and, in rare cases, death.

How is Measles Prevented?

Measles is prevented with the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Some children may receive the MMRV vaccine, which also includes protection against varicella, also known as chickenpox.

MMR Vaccine Schedule for Children

The American Academy of Pediatrics and CDC recommend two doses of the MMR vaccine for children:

• First dose: 12 through 15 months
• Second dose: 4 through 6 years

Children can sometimes receive the second MMR dose earlier, as long as enough time has passed since the first dose. Your pediatrician can help determine the right timing for your child.

Why the Measles Vaccine Matters

Measles spreads very easily. If one person has measles, up to 9 out of 10 unprotected people nearby may also become infected. Vaccination protects your child and helps protect babies, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems who may not be able to receive the vaccine.

Measles Vaccine for Travel

Families planning international travel should talk with their pediatrician before leaving. Infants 6 through 11 months old may need an early MMR dose before travel. This early dose does not replace the regular two-dose series given after the first birthday.

Is the MMR Vaccine Safe?

Yes. The MMR vaccine has been carefully studied and is routinely recommended for children. Most side effects are mild and temporary.

Common Side Effects

• Soreness or redness where the shot was given
• Mild fever
• Mild rash
• Temporary swelling of glands in the cheeks or neck

Serious reactions are rare. Your child’s provider will review health history, allergies, and vaccine timing before giving the vaccine.

Who Should NOT Receive the MMR Vaccine?

Some children may need to delay or avoid the MMR vaccine. This may include children who:

• Have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous MMR dose or vaccine ingredient
• Have a severely weakened immune system
• Are currently moderately or severely ill
• Have certain medical conditions that require special vaccine timing

If you are unsure, your pediatrician can review your child’s medical history and make the safest recommendation.

What If My Child Missed a Dose?

If your child missed an MMR vaccine, they can usually get caught up. Older children and teens who are not fully vaccinated may still need one or two doses, depending on their vaccine history.

You can schedule an appointment with Castle Valley Children’s Clinic to review your child’s immunization record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is measles still a concern?

Yes. Measles still occurs, especially when vaccination rates drop or when unvaccinated travelers bring measles into a community.

Can vaccinated children still get measles?

It is possible, but uncommon. Children who receive two doses of MMR have strong protection against measles.

Can my child get MMR with other vaccines?

In many cases, yes. MMR can often be given during the same visit as other routine childhood vaccines.

Does the MMR vaccine cause autism?

No. Large, well-designed studies have found no link between the MMR vaccine and autism.

Is MMR required for school?

Most schools require proof of measles vaccination or valid exemption documentation before children attend school.

Partner With Your Pediatrician

At Castle Valley Children’s Clinic, we help parents make confident, informed decisions about childhood vaccines and wellness care. Learn more on our Vaccination Series page.

Schedule an Appointment

Protect your child from measles and other preventable diseases. Book your appointment today at our New Castle or Carbondale locations.