Measles

Last content update: 4/4/24

The best protection against measles is two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, which protects you for life. While the risk of measles exposure remains low for most Bay Area residents, there has been a recent increase in measles cases in the United States.

For more information, see Bay Area Health Officials Urge Vigilance as Measles Cases Rise in the US.

Fever and rash? Consider measles. Call your doctor right away if you think you may have measles, especially if you traveled internationally in the last 3 weeks.

Traveling abroad? Protect against measles. Talk to your doctor about travel vaccinations. Multiple measles cases linked to international travel have been confirmed in the United States in 2024. 

What is measles?

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease that is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Measles is so contagious that if one person has it, up to 90 percent of the people close to that person who are not immune will also become infected.

Measles symptoms start with a fever, runny nose, cough, and red eyes, and are followed by a rash that spreads all over the body. Measles rash can be very uncomfortable. Measles can also cause serious complications. Learn more about measles.

What can you do?

Vaccination with two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is a safe and effective way to prevent measles.

Know if you and your children are protected. Two doses of MMR vaccine provide long-lasting protection against measles. Those who have previously been infected with measles are also protected from being infected with measles again. Get your child’s California digital vaccine record.

Get vaccinated if you are not already vaccinated or are unsure of your vaccination status. Talk with your healthcare provider about getting vaccinated or having a blood test to check for immunity to measles.

Vaccinate your children. The MMR vaccine is included in the routine childhood immunization schedule. Children should receive the first dose at 12 to 15 months and the second dose at 4 to 6 years. Children ages 6 to 12 months should get the MMR vaccine if they will be traveling internationally. Older children can be vaccinated, too, if they have not been already.

Call your healthcare provider if you think you or your child might have measles. Call before going to the medical office so the office can take steps to prevent others from being exposed to measles.

If you have more questions about measles, please contact your healthcare provider.

Where to get vaccinated

• If you or child have a regular healthcare provider, you can talk to them about getting vaccinated
• Travel and Immunization Services offers adults (18 years of age or older) vaccinations - Plan a visit to the Travel and Immunization Clinic
• Community clinics in Santa Clara County offer vaccination services for all ages - English | Spanish | Vietnamese
• The Vaccines for Children program provides free vaccines to Medicaid-eligible or uninsured children age 18 or younger - Find a Vaccines for Children clinic

Need a doctor or health insurance? Call the County's Patient Access Department at 1 (866) 967-4677 or drop in at 770 S. Bascom Ave. San Jose, CA 95128.

Measles and travel

Making travel plans? Make sure you’re vaccinated against measles. Measles is still common in many parts of the world such as Europe, Asia, the Pacific, South America, and Africa. All international travelers over the age of 6 months should be vaccinated against measles before traveling.
 
Talk to your doctor about travel immunizations at least 4 to 6 weeks before traveling. People planning international travel should ensure they have already received the recommended doses of MMR vaccine.

If you develop a fever and rash within 3 weeks of returning from travel, call your doctor and tell them where you traveled.

Information for parents, schools, and childcare centers

• Measles Information Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Measles Information and Data California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
• Immunization Information (Santa Clara County Public Health Department)
• Immunization Resources for School and Childcare Providers (Santa Clara County Public Health Department)

School vaccination rates

Student immunization rates in California have decreased compared to before the COVID pandemic. Vaccines protect against serious diseases and are still one of the best ways to keep your family healthy. Talk to your doctor about recommended vaccines for your child and make sure your child is up-to-date on their vaccines.

Child care facilities and schools with low vaccination rates are at higher risk for outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles. The measles vaccination rate for children in our county is high - over 97 percent on average in public schools, and over 94 percent on average in private schools, though some individual schools may have much lower rates, and some have rates of 100 percent.

Click below to check for vaccination rate at local schools:

• Child Care/Preschool

• Kindergarten

• 7th Grade

In the news

March 29, 2024 - Bay Area Health Officials Urge Vigilance as Measles Cases Rise in the US