Measles Vaccine

IMPORTANT: CALL AHEAD! If you suspect measles, call ahead before going to your Primary Care provider, an Urgent Care, the Emergency Department, or another healthcare facility. Because measles is airborne and highly contagious, coming into the hospital, an Urgent Care, or a doctor’s office could expose everyone else there. Also, the virus can linger in the air for 2 hours after an infected person leaves the area. By calling first, you help prevent the spread to others. Your provider will call the local health department if you meet criteria for measles testing.

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Know the facts about the measles vaccine

Vaccines are available in Augusta Health Primary Care offices for those eligible.

The MMR and MMRV vaccines have been widely used for more than 50 years.
- MMR = Measles, Mumps, Rubella
- MMRV = Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella (chicken pox); for children ages 12 months to 12 years
- Both MMR and MMRV require two doses. For children, doses are typically given at 12-15 months old and again at 4-6 years old.

The vaccine is effective.
- One dose of the MMR vaccine is 93% effective against measles
- Two doses of the MMR vaccine is 97% effective against measles
- Immunity is lifelong in vaccinated people

The vaccine is safe. There is no proven link between the MMR vaccine and autism.

It is safe for breastfeeding women to receive the MMR vaccine but pregnant women cannot receive the MMR vaccine.

Most patients don't have any side effects from the vaccine. Any side effects that do occur are usually mild (soreness or redness at the vaccine site, fever, mild rash, temporary joint pain or stiffness).

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Measles in Virginia: 2025

Over 90% of the U.S. population is vaccinated against measles and approximately 95% of kindergarteners in Virginia are vaccinated against measles.

On April 19, 2025, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) reported the first case of measles in a Virginia resident this year.

For up-to-date information, please visit the Virginia Department of Health website.

Virginia Department of Health Website