Measles is a serious, highly contagious airborne illness caused by a virus. Measles can cause complications that lead to hospitalization or even death. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and our community.
Babies typically receive their first measles-containing vaccine at 12-15 months old. There is a very high risk that infants and others who are not vaccinated will get measles if exposed to someone with measles.
Know the symptoms of measles
Symptoms usually begin 7–14 days after exposure, but can appear up to 21 days after exposure.
Initial symptoms include fever, cough, a runny nose, and red, itchy eyes. A rash appears a few days later, starting on the face at the hairline and spreading to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet. There may also be bluish or white spots in the mouth on the inside of the cheeks.
If you suspect measles, CALL AHEAD before going to your doctor’s or a medical facility.
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).
You are considered immune and protected against measles if you have written documentation (records) showing at least one of the following:
1. You received two doses of measles-containing vaccine, and you are a(n):
- School-aged child (grades K-12)
- Adult who will be in a setting that poses a high risk for measles transmission, including students at post-high school education institutions, healthcare personnel, and international travelers
2. You received one dose of measles-containing vaccine, and you are a(n):
- Preschool-aged child
- Adult who will NOT be in a setting that poses a high risk for measles transmission, including students at post-high school education institutions, healthcare personnel, and international travelers.
3. A laboratory confirmed the diagnosis of measles at some point in your life.
4. A laboratory confirmed that you are immune to measles.
5. You were born before 1957.
If you’re unsure whether you’re immune to measles, you should first try to find your vaccination records or documentation of measles immunity. To check your immunization status, call your healthcare provider or request records from the VDH Immunization Record Request Form.
If you think you received the MMR vaccine in another state, you may need to go to that state’s vaccination records to confirm.
If you are still unsure of your immunity status, discuss with your primary care provider if you should have a blood test to check for measles immunity.
Over 90% of the U.S. population is vaccinated against measles and approximately 95% of kindergarteners in Virginia are vaccinated against measles.
For up-to-date information, please visit the Virginia Department of Health website.
General Information:
- VDH Measles Fact Sheet in English, in Arabic, in Dari, in Korean, in Spanish, in Tagalog, and in Uzbek.
- CDC Measles Page
Information for Healthcare Personnel:
- VDH Measles Information for Healthcare Providers