While measles is eradicated in the U.S., recent reports of cases around the country and the world remind us about the importance of vaccination. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine provides the best protection against disease and serious illness. The majority of measles cases are a result of international travel, which is why it’s especially important to ensure you and your family are up to date on all vaccines prior to traveling to another country.

How it Spreads

Measles is caused by a very contagious virus – one of the most contagious in the world. It spreads easily through the air when infected persons breathe, talks, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can stay in the air for many hours, even after the infected person has left the area. Someone who is infected can spread the disease to other people before noticing any symptoms, especially in the four days before and after the rash develops.

Measles is a serious disease that could lead to hospitalization, long-term illness, and death. Measles symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus and typically include high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes. Measles rash appears 3 to 5 days after the first symptoms. Call your health care provider right away if you think you or your child have been exposed to measles. Do not arrive at a health care facility without giving advance notice.

Why Vaccinate Against Measles

Vaccination against measles is safe, effective, and cost-effective. Receiving two doses of the MMR vaccine provides the highest level of protection against disease at 97% effectiveness. Even if only one dose is received, protection is still extremely high at 93% effectiveness. The immune system needs up to two to three weeks after immunization to provide the best protection.

Unvaccinated people have a very high likelihood, about 90% risk of contracting measles, if exposed. If infected with measles, some people​ may suffer from severe complications, such as pneumonia (infection of the lungs) and encephalitis (swelling of the brain). They may need to be hospitalized and could die. Unvaccinated young children and pregnant persons are at highest risk of severe measles complications.

Who Should Get Vaccinated

• Young children should get two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 to 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 to 6 years of age. Children can receive the second dose earlier than 4 years of age if at least 28 days have passed since the first dose.
• Infants at least 6 months old who are traveling internationally should receive one dose before their 1st birthday and at least two weeks before departing for international travel.
• All older children (K–12), college-age students and adults who are not up to date on their MMR vaccine.
  

Resources:

• CDPH: California Measles Data
  
• CDPH: Me and My Family Vaccination Information
• CDPH: MyTurn MMR Vaccine Q&A
• Public Health Communication Collaborate Messaging: Measles Outbreak
  
• CDC Measles: Who’s at Risk, How it Spreads, and More
• CDC Measles: What Everyone Should Know
  
• CDC Measles: Plan for Travel
  
• WHO: Measles Fact Sheet
  
• CDPH: Don’t Wait Vaccinate Toolkit
  

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Suggested Messaging:

Measles cases are increasing worldwide. There have been more measles cases in the first half of 2024 than there were in all of 2023. It is one of the most contagious viruses in the world and can lead to severe consequences, especially for children. 

Best way to prevent the measles? The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine! It is safe and provides long-lasting protection against measles. Check if you and your family are up to date on all your routine vaccines, including the MMR. Staying up to date also protects those too young to be vaccinated. 

Find more vaccination information at:cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/family.aspx

X Copy: Measles is one of the most contagious infections and can lead to severe life-long consequences, especially for children. Check if you and your family are up to date on all your vaccines or speak to your health care provider.

 Find more vaccination information at: cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/family.aspx

Suggested Messaging: Measles is an extremely contagious virus that can lead to serious health complications, especially in unvaccinated children.  DYK: 1 in 5 unvaccinated children who contract measles will be hospitalized. 1 in 20 unvaccinated children who contract measles will develop pneumonia, a very serious lung infection. 1 in 1,000 unvaccinated children who contract measles will develop encephalitis (swelling of the brain). 1 in 300 unvaccinated children who contract measles will die. Protect the youngest among us by making sure you are your family are up to date on your measles vaccine and other routine vaccines. Find more vaccination information at: cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/family.aspx

Suggested Messaging: The increase of measles cases around the country reminds us about the importance of vaccination, which provides the best protection against disease and serious illness. Measles is a very contagious disease caused by a virus. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Make sure you and your children are up to date on the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and other recommended vaccines. Talk to a health care provider and learn more: cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/immunize.aspx

Suggested Messaging:

Traveling internationally? Everyone 6 months and older should get the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine and other recommended vaccines prior to international travel to get the best protection against disease and severe illness. 

Speak to your health care provider and find more vaccination information at: cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/family.aspx

X Copy: Traveling internationally? Make sure you and your family are fully immunized before your international trip. Stay up to date on the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.

 Speak to your health care provider and find more vaccination information at: cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/family.aspx

Suggested Messaging: Headed on vacation abroad? Check your families’ digital vaccine records or with your health care providers to confirm you and your kids are fully vaccinated against measles, especially before international travel. For help finding your immunization records, visit cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/Clinics-Records.aspx

Suggested Messaging: Traveling to a different country for school break?  Make sure you and your children are up to date on the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and other recommended vaccines. Two doses of MMR are 97% effective at preventing measles.  Call your health care provider to check which vaccines you need before traveling internationally. For help finding your immunization records, visit cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/Clinics-Records.aspx

Suggested Messaging: Did you know, children 6 months and up should get the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine before traveling internationally?  Infants 6 to 11 months old need 1 dose of MMR vaccine before traveling abroad.  One dose is more than 90% effective at protecting against measles. Talk to your baby’s pediatrician at least one to two months before any international travel.   Find more vaccination information at: cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/family.aspx

Suggested Messaging: Stay well on your way! Stay up to date on the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and other recommended vaccines to get the best protection against disease and severe illness. Talk to a health care provider and learn more: cdc.gov/measles/plan-for-travel.html

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