Measles

The virus is released when an infected person breathes or coughs. It spreads easily from person to person through the air or by direct contact with nose or throat discharges from someone who is infected. Measles symptoms include fever and a rash that starts on the face at the hairline and spreads to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet. A cough, runny nose, or red, itchy eyes might also be present. Symptoms usually begin 7–14 days after exposure, but can appear up to 21 days after exposure. Measles is a serious illness that can cause complications that lead to hospitalization and even death.

A safe and effective vaccine that prevents measles is given as part of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine or the measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccine series. Since measles-containing vaccines became available in the United States, the disease has become rare in this country. Over 90% of the U.S. population is vaccinated against measles and approximately 95% of kindergarteners in Virginia are vaccinated against measles. Two doses of the vaccine are given to provide lifetime protection. The first dose is routinely recommended at age 12-15 months and the second dose is recommended before kindergarten entry (age 4-6 years). Infants 6-11 months of age may receive a dose of MMR vaccine prior to traveling internationally or to regions experiencing a measles outbreak. This dose does not count towards the MMR vaccine series, and they should still receive two doses separated by at least 28 days after they reach 12 months of age.  

You are considered immune and protected against measles if you have written documentation (records) showing at least one of the following: 

• 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. 
• 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. 
• A laboratory confirmed that you had measles at some point in your life. 
• A laboratory confirmed that you are immune to measles. 
• 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 your records from VDH.