Updated: August 2024
Sections
Where to Get the Measles Vaccine
For Pregnant Women and New Parents
For People Traveling Outside the United States
For Health Care Workers and Providers
About Measles
What is measles?
Measles is a very contagious disease caused by the measles virus. Measles begins with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Three to five days after symptoms start, a rash starts on the face and spreads to other parts of the body.
In some cases, measles can cause hospitalization, brain swelling, pneumonia, and death. Children under 5 years of age, those with weak immune systems, and pregnant people are most at risk.
Measles is very dangerous because of how easily it spreads through the air. A sick person can spread measles by coughing, sneezing, breathing, or talking. People can get measles when they breathe this air or if they get the virus on their hands and touch their face. Measles stays in the air for up to two hours, so people can get measles even after a sick person has left the area. People with measles don’t know they have it when they first catch it because the symptoms don’t appear right away. This means people can spread measles without knowing they have it.
Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for more specific information on the signs and symptoms of measles.
How is measles treated?
There is no specific medication for the treatment of measles. Medical care is to support and to help relieve symptoms and address complications.
How is measles prevented?
Getting vaccinated is the best protection against measles. In the United States, two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine are a part of a child’s routine vaccine schedule. Two doses of MMR vaccine protects about 97% of people against measles. Anyone planning to travel out of the country should make sure you and your family are vaccinated two weeks before leaving. You can read more about the MMR vaccine on the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention’s web page.
Isn't measles rare in the United States?
Before the measles vaccine was introduced in 1963, 400 to 500 people died and 48,000 were hospitalized from measles in the United States every year. It was estimated 3 to 4 million people were infected each year.
Thanks to measles vaccination, we have stopped the continuous spread of measles in the United States. However, measles outbreaks usually occur when people who are infected in other countries pass the infection on to unvaccinated people in the US. Recently, many countries outside of the US have experienced large outbreaks. People traveling to these countries have contributed to an increase in measles cases in many states in the US. This is why it is important to vaccinate your family against this disease. Read more about the history of the measles vaccine on the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) web page.
Who is at risk from measles?
All people who have not been vaccinated with MMR vaccine and do not have immunity from measles are at risk of catching and spreading measles.
Children younger than 12 months of age are at the highest risk because they are too young for measles vaccination.
Pregnant people, young children, and those with weakened immune systems are at highest risk for serious complications from measles.
What if someone in my family may have measles or was exposed to someone with measles?
Call your doctor, nurse, or clinic right away. Before you go to the doctor's office, call to tell them that you or your family member might have measles. This will allow them to take steps to avoid exposing other people. Try to stay away from other people until at least four days after the rash starts or a test proves it's not measles. This prevents measles from spreading to others.
Where can I get more information about measles?
If you have questions or need more information about measles, we recommend:
- Talking to your doctor or health care provider.
- Contacting your local health agency.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website on measles.
About the Measles Vaccine
What is the measles vaccine?
In the United States, we use the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine to protect people against measles. A variation of the MMR vaccine, called MMRV, includes protection from varicella disease as well. Varicella is also known as chickenpox.
Who needs the measles vaccine (MMR)?
Children get two doses of MMR vaccine as part of their recommended vaccination schedule. The first dose is given at 12 to 15 months of age, and the second dose is given at four to six years of age. Children who miss this schedule can still catch up with MMR vaccination.
Infants 6 months to 11 months of age may receive one dose of MMR vaccine if they are traveling abroad.
Adults born in 1957 or later should get one or more dose of the MMR vaccine if they weren’t vaccinated or haven’t had measles.. Talk to your health care provider to see if you need the vaccine.
Most adults born before 1957 have had measles and are considered immune – so they don't need the vaccine.
Can I get a single measles vaccine instead of a Measles, Mumps, Rubella vaccine?
No, there is no single measles vaccine licensed or available for use in the United States.
Vaccine Safety and Monitoring
Is the measles vaccine safe?
Research has shown that the measles vaccine (MMR) is safe. Getting vaccinated issafer than getting measles, mumps, or rubella.
You can get more information on the safety of the MMR vaccine from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Is it safe to get multiple recommended vaccines at the same appointment?
Scientific data show that getting multiple recommended vaccines at the same appointment is safe and protects you against dangerous infectious diseases. Getting all of your recommended vaccines is the easiest way to stay up to date, saves time and money, and the need to take more time off work or school.
How are vaccines monitored for safety?
Vaccines go through a long process of testing and monitoring for safety and effectiveness before they're licensed for use. Once a vaccine is in use,there are many monitoring systems in place to continually monitor the vaccine to make sure it stayssafe and effective.
Are there side effects from the vaccine?
Like any medication, the measles vaccine (MMR) may cause side effects. Most are mild and usually last a short time. Side effects include:
- A sore arm from the vaccine.
- Fever.
- Mild rash.
- Temporary pain and stiffness in the joints.
- Mild swelling in the cheeks or neck.
Where to Get the Measles Vaccine
Where can I get the measles vaccine?
- Call your doctor, nurse, or clinic.
- Visit any pharmacy.
If you need help finding a health care provider or if you don't have health insurance, call the Family Health Hotline at 1-800-322-2588 or visit HelpMeGrowWa.org.
For Pregnant Women and New Parents
Should pregnant women get the measles vaccine (MMR)?
Pregnant women should not get the MMR vaccine. Pregnant women who need the vaccine should wait until after giving birth. Women should avoid getting pregnant for four weeks after getting the MMR vaccine.
How soon can a new baby get vaccinated against measles?
Infants should receive their first dose of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age. Children receive their second dose of MMR vaccine between the ages of 4 to 6 years to provide full protection.
If you plan to travel out of the country with a baby who is between six and 11 months old, your baby should get a dose of MMR before traveling. They will still need the two regular doses at 12-15 months and 4-6 years. Please talk to your doctor or healthcare provider if this situation applies to you.
Should new parents and caregivers get vaccinated?
If parents or caregivers aren’t vaccinated or haven’t had measles in the past, they should get vaccinated. It's important to make sure people who are around your new baby do not expose you or your baby to diseases that your baby is too young to be vaccinated against. All family members should be vaccinated to protect themselves and any infants or young children.
For People Traveling Outside the United States
Do I need to get the measles vaccine (MMR) if I'm traveling outside the country?
If you have not been vaccinated against measles, didn’t get the full series of two doses,or didn’t have the disease before, you are at risk for getting measles. There are many measles outbreaks in other countries. People traveling to these countries may bring back measles to families and communities if they haven’t been vaccinated. You should talk to your doctor or healthcare provider at least a month before travel to make sure you have time to get protected.
Measles vaccination guidelines for international travel vary by age.
- Infants six through 11 months of age should get one dose of measles vaccine. This does not replace the need for measles vaccination at 12 months of age and at four to six years of age.
- Children 12 months of age or older should get a dose right away and a second dose at least 28 days.
- Adolescents and adults who haven’t been vaccinated or already immune should get two doses separated by at least 28 days.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers more information on measles and international travel.
For Healthcare Workers and Providers
Is the measles vaccine (MMR) recommended for health care workers?
Washington state does not require healthcare workers to have MMR vaccination or immunity. However, many healthcare organizations have their own immunization requirements as a condition of employment.
The Department of Health strongly recommends healthcare workers receive all eligible vaccines to protect themselves, their patients, and staff from the transmission of disease as their job puts them at high risk.
Do healthcare providers need to report measles cases?
In Washington State, measles is a notifiable condition. This means all health care providers and facilities must immediately report all confirmed and probable measles cases to their local health jurisdiction.
During a Measles Outbreak
There's a measles outbreak in my community. How can I protect myself and family?
MMR vaccine is the best protection against measles. Review your own and your family's vaccine records for MMR and make sure all other immunizations are up to date. If there's a measles outbreak in your community, talk to your health care provider for further information and recommendations.
If you think you or someone in your family might have measles, the person should isolate to prevent getting others sick. Wearing a mask while sick may limit the spread of measles to others. Don’t show up to your healthcare provider unannounced, call ahead and let them know you might have measles so they can plan to see you without getting other patients sick.
I'm pregnant and I plan on breastfeeding after I have my baby. Is it safe to get the MMR vaccine?
Pregnant people should not get the vaccine. You can get MMR vaccine any time after delivery. If you are susceptible to measles, mumps, or rubella, you can get MMR vaccine before hospital discharge. Breast feeding does not interfere with the response to MMR vaccine, and your baby will not be affected by the vaccine through your breast milk.
We have a baby under 12 months of age and we would like to get our baby MMR vaccine to protect against the measles outbreak. Can we do this?
An MMR vaccine is not recommended for babies under 12 months of age, unless the family is traveling to another country outside the US or if they baby has been exposed to measles. MMR can be given to children as young as 6 months of age who are at high risk of exposure such as during international travel or a community outbreak. However, this does not replace the need for measles vaccination at 12 months of age and at four to six years of age.
We have a baby under 6 months of age. How do we protect them from measles?
Babies under 6 months of age can’t get MMR vaccine. The best protection for young babies is to make sure everyone around them is vaccinated, including family and friends. You should keep the baby away from unvaccinated people and away from areas that may have been exposed to the measles virus. If the parent was vaccinated and is breastfeeding, the baby receives temporary antibodies that give them some protection from certain diseases. Please call the clinic as soon as possible if you think your baby has been exposed to measles.
We are grandparents and traveling to an outbreak area to babysit our grandchildren. We can't remember having the measles or the shot and we can't find our records. What should we do?
If you were born before 1957 you are considered immune from measles. If you were born after 1957 and don’t have records, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting MMR vaccination. Optimally, you should be vaccinated 1 month before visiting to get full protection from the vaccine.
Some healthcare providers may also offer lab testing for measles immunity, but it is expensive and may delay your ability to get protected if the test comes back negative.
My doctor does not have MMR vaccine. Where can I get it?
Many healthcare providers participate in the states’ childhood vaccine program, which provides all routinely scheduled vaccines for children 18 and younger. Find a list of participating providers here. Adults can also ask healthcare providers in the area or check with their local pharmacies. Many clinics will offer vaccine to established patients. If you still can’t get access to vaccines, please contact your local health department for help. Find a list of Washington state’s health jurisdictions here.