Measles is one of the most contagious viruses known to humans, and the only effective way to prevent it is vaccination.
Measles is a respiratory viral infection that can lead to serious complications and even death. It’s spread through airborne droplets, often from coughing and sneezing. Those droplets can also land on surfaces, another way the virus can spread.
Unvaccinated children under age 5 are particularly vulnerable to complications from measles. Fortunately, you can protect your children from measles with the MMR vaccine.
The MMR vaccine offers lasting immunity, reduces the risk of complications, and saves lives. The vaccine is also exceptionally safe, according to numerous studies.
Measles Outbreak: Why Vaccination Is the Best Prevention
Across the United States, measles illness and deaths are on the rise because fewer people are receiving the MMR vaccine.
The U.S. achieved “measles elimination status” in 2000 because high vaccination rates prevented the spread of measles. But as more people opt out of routine vaccination, measles outbreaks have surged across the country.
More than 95,000 people across the world died from measles in 2024, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In 2025, several children in the U.S. died from measles.
How to Protect Your Children from Measles
While measles was once a common childhood illness, it still carries real health risks.
The MMR vaccine was introduced in 1963. Before that time, major measles epidemics occurred every two to three years, causing an estimated 2.6 million deaths across the world annually, according to the WHO.
Today, these deaths are preventable because of vaccination. Widespread vaccination has led to a significant decline in measles cases and complications.
But as more parents choose to not vaccinate their children against measles, new outbreaks have become more common.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows nationwide vaccination rates have fallen to just over 92%. That’s below the 95% threshold needed to protect the community against outbreaks.
In some states, vaccination rates are much lower. Those communities are much more susceptible to the spread of this disease.
How Dangerous Is Measles?
Measles often starts with a fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes before a severe rash forms. The rash typically begins on the face before spreading down the body.
At first, measles symptoms can mirror those of the flu or other common illnesses. But it can quickly worsen and lead to life-threatening complications, such as brain swelling and pneumonia.
About 30% of measles cases will result in complications, particularly for unvaccinated children under age 5 and adults. When widespread infections occur, it can lead to more people having complications.
According to a 2025 review article in The New England Journal of Medicine, measles infection can also cause temporary “immune amnesia.” This can put you at risk of getting other infections after measles. The immune amnesia can last for up to a year, the article reported.
Common complications of measles include:
- Encephalitis.
- Pneumonia.
- Bronchopneumonia.
- Laryngotracheobronchitis (croup).
- Diarrhea.
- Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.
- Death.
Can You Prevent Measles Without the Vaccine?
No. Vaccines are the only effective way to prevent measles.
There are steps everyone can take to stay healthy and prevent the spread of illness. While these are not fully effective against measles, everyone should:
- Avoid contact with people who have the measles.
- Clean and disinfect contaminated areas.
- Practice good hand hygiene and wash your hands thoroughly.
- Wear personal protection equipment (PPE) if you’re sick in public or around people who are sick.
Because measles is so contagious, everyday measles prevention efforts are not enough.
Why Are People Opting Out of Vaccines?
The MMR and other vaccines are standard parts of early childhood health care. Still, some families are opting out.
Vaccine avoidance is often the result of online misinformation about the safety of the MMR vaccine.
In the last decade, false information about severe vaccine side effects or a purported link between vaccines and autism spectrum disorder has persuaded many families to skip vaccination for their children. MMR vaccine confidence has declined across the U.S., according to the Pew Research Center.
According to a study from the National Institutes of Health, parents who “prefer internet and social media narratives over physician-based vaccine information” are more likely to say no to vaccines.
In 1998, a paper published by Andrew Wakefield, a former physician, described 12 children who received the MMR vaccine and later developed autism. The paper was later retracted. Many large, rigorous studies have proved there is no association between vaccines and autism, according to the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
The MMR vaccine does not cause autism spectrum disorder or any neurodevelopmental disorders. For most people, vaccines pose little to no side effects. More serious side effects from the MMR vaccine are rare.
As more parents choose not to vaccinate their children, infectious diseases can spread through communities, sometimes with life-threatening consequences.
What Are the Side Effects of the MMR Vaccine?
The MMR vaccine is associated with only minimal, temporary side effects. Those include:
- Fever.
- Low platelet count.
- Mild rash.
- Stiff or achy joints.
- Soreness in the arm where the shot is given.
Can I Get the MMR Vaccine?
The MMR vaccine is accessible and can be administered as part of your routine health care. This vaccine is typically given over two doses and is highly effective in preventing measles.
Both children and adults can receive the MMR vaccine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
- Children often receive the first dose of the MMR vaccine at 12 to 15 months and the second at 4 to 6 years. The second dose can be given as early as four weeks after the first, but 4 to 6 years is standard. Infants traveling internationally may be able to receive vaccination earlier. Always talk to your health care provider about your child’s vaccination schedule.
- Older children who did not receive two doses of the MMR vaccine should also receive the vaccine. The doses are typically given about 28 days apart.
- Adults can get vaccinated, too. If you were born after 1957 and not vaccinated as a child, talk to your health care provider about your options. The doses are typically given about 28 days apart.
- People born before 1957 who developed measles without a vaccine are considered to have lifelong immunity.
- People who are unvaccinated and have been exposed to measles may receive an MMR vaccination within 72 hours of exposure to prevent serious illness.
People who received both doses of the MMR vaccine are usually considered protected for life against measles and rubella. Protection against mumps may decrease later in life.
Can I Still Get Measles if I Had the MMR Vaccine?
If you’ve been fully vaccinated, you are unlikely to contract measles. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are effective, lifelong protection for most people.
Two doses of the MMR vaccine offer 97% protection against measles, according to the CDC.
Immunity is considered permanent, but some people at high risk may need a booster. Talk to your health care provider about your risk factors.
While the MMR vaccine provides lifelong protection against measles and rubella, its protection against mumps may wane over time. Speak to a health care provider if you are not sure that you received the vaccine as a child.