Measles | Vermont Department of Health

In this section:

Measles cases are on the rise in the U.S. and in the region.

There are currently active measles outbreaks in several states in the United States and in Quebec. Most cases are among people who are unvaccinated. If you plan to travel to any of the areas impacted by these outbreaks, talk to your provider to make sure you and your family are vaccinated against measles.

Track current measles cases in the U.S. (CDC)

Vaccination against measles, especially for children, is particularly important if you plan to travel outside of the U.S. Measles is common in many parts of the world. Every year, measles is brought into the U.S. by unvaccinated travelers who get measles while they are in other countries.

Planning to travel outside the U.S.? Read more

About Measles

Measles is not just a little rash. It can be dangerous, especially in children younger than 5 years old. About 1 in 5 unvaccinated people in the U.S. who get measles are hospitalized. It's also one of the most contagious diseases.

The measles virus lives in an infected person's nose and throat mucus and can spread to others through coughing and sneezing. It also spreads through contact with air droplets. If other people breathe contaminated air or touch an infected surface, then touch their eyes, noses, or mouths, they can become infected.

Vermont confirmed the first case of measles in the state this year, following two cases in 2024 and two cases in the decade prior, one in 2011 and one in 2018.

The best protection against measles is the vaccine.

The best way to protect against measles is with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. MMR is safe and effective. Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is about 93% effective. While most people in the U.S. and Vermont are vaccinated against measles, communities with lower vaccine coverage are at higher risk for outbreaks. Learn more about the vaccine.

According to 2023-2024 school immunization survey data, most children in Vermont public and independent schools (93%) are fully vaccinated against measles before entering kindergarten. This data doesn't include children who are homeschooled or not yet enrolled in school. It takes 95% to reach community immunity.

Symptoms

Symptoms usually start with a high fever, then a cough, runny nose, and red and watery eyes. A rash (warning: contains graphic medical images) usually appears three to five days after the first symptoms. Babies, young children, and people with weak immune systems are at higher risk of getting very sick from measles.

Some people may suffer from severe complications, such as pneumonia (infection of the lungs) and encephalitis (swelling of the brain). They may need to be hospitalized and could die. Measles can also lead to long-term complications that develop 7 to 10 years after a person has measles.

Learn more about measles (CDC)

Measles is one of the most contagious viruses.

An infected person will spread measles to about 9 out of 10 people they come into contact with who are not vaccinated.
The virus can stay in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.

Vaccines

Measles vaccines are safe and highly effective. It is part of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine or "MMR." Two vaccine doses are 97% effective against measles (one dose is 93% effective).

Review your and your family’s vaccination records or talk to your doctor to make sure you are well protected against measles. This is especially important before your children start day care, school or college and before traveling outside of the U.S.

Learn more about the vaccine (CDC)

When to Get Vaccinated

Babies and Young Children

Children should get two doses of MMR vaccine. In Vermont, MMR vaccination is required before children enter child care (depending on age) or start kindergarten.

The first dose is given at 12 to 15 months of age
The second dose is given at 4 through 6 years of age.
Infants 6 to 11 months old who are traveling internationally should get an early dose of the MMR vaccine at least two weeks before travel.

Teens and Adults

You are protected from measles if:

You were born before 1957 or
You have laboratory-confirmed evidence of immunity to measles or
You have documentation of measles vaccination. Look for “MMR” or "MMRV" in your vaccination records. If you do not have your vaccination records, the Vermont Immunization Registry (IMR) can give you a copy of your vaccination record by mail (within a week) or secure email (within two business days). Instructions on how to request vaccine records

Talk to your doctor if you are unsure if you are protected against measles. They may recommend getting a measles vaccine—especially if you are planning to travel outside of the U.S.

Find out if you are protected against measles.

Check your vaccination records for “MMR” (measles-mumps-rubella) or "MMRV" (measles-mumps-rubella-varicella). Even one dose of vaccine provides protection against measles.
If you do not have documentation, you can reach out to your health care provider or request your vaccination records through your state’s vaccination record system. In Vermont, see the instructions for requesting immunization records. For other states, find your vaccination record information through your state's system.

Adults, wondering if you are protected against measles?

If you were born before 1957, you are likely protected against measles.
If you were born in 1957 or later:
- You are protected from measles if you have received either 1 or 2 doses of MMR or MMRV vaccine.
- Some people do need 2 doses of MMR or MMRV: students at post-high school education institutions, health care personnel, international travelers, close contacts of immunocompromised people, and people with HIV infection.
If you were vaccinated in the 1960s:
- An inactivated measles vaccine was used from 1963 to 1967. This vaccine was not effective. If you were vaccinated before 1968 with either an inactivated measles vaccine, or measles vaccine of unknown type, you should receive at least one dose of the MMR vaccine. You should receive two if you have the risk factors listed above.
If you don’t have evidence of immunity, and have no health reasons to avoid the MMR vaccine, you can be vaccinated. You do not need to have immune titers checked. There is no harm in giving the MMR vaccine to someone who may already be immune.

How to Get Vaccinated

Measles vaccines are free in Vermont. Call your health care provider to get vaccinated. If you do not have a health care provider, call 2-1-1 to be connected to care, or contact the nearest federally qualified health center or one of Vermont's Free & Referral Clinics.

For most people, their health insurance will cover the cost of getting vaccinated.
For people who do not have health insurance, or who have insurance that does not cover the cost of vaccines (less common), the Vermont Immunization Program can cover the cost of the vaccine directly to the provider.
- Health care providers can charge a small fee to give the vaccine.
- Talk to your doctor before getting vaccinated to find out how much it may cost. Some practices offer a sliding scale.
If you do not have health insurance and are under the age of 65, you can also make an appointment at your Local Health Office to get vaccinated. Local health offices do not charge a fee for giving the vaccine.

Treatment

There is no treatment for measles. People with measles need bed rest, fluids, and medication to control their fevers. They may also need medical care for complications or serious illness.

The Health Department's Role

Even one case of measles requires a significant public health response. The Health Department team:

Works with places where people might have been exposed to measles to notify those who were exposed and check if they’re protected.
Offers free vaccines to anyone who is not already protected against measles.
Coordinates antibody treatments to people who are at higher risk of getting very sick, like young children or people who are immunocompromised.
Checks in with people who were around someone with measles regularly to see if they develop symptoms.
Supports people who need to stay home and away from others with things like getting groceries or medicines, if needed.
Keeps health care providers, partners and the public informed while maintaining people's privacy.

Video: What to know about measles

Frequently Asked Questions

What is vitamin A used for?

You may be hearing lots of information about how to protect your child from measles and it can be hard to know what’s true and what’s not true. Here’s what’s true:

Vitamins and supplements, including cod liver oil and vitamin A, do not prevent measles.

It is true that vitamin A may be used by a doctor when treating a child with measles. There is evidence – from countries where vitamin A deficiency is a major public health issue (not the U.S.) – that giving certain amounts of vitamin A by a provider can lower the risk of death among children with measles who do not have enough vitamin A.

Too much vitamin A can cause serious health problems.

Do not give your child vitamin A or any supplements, unless your doctor prescribes it. Too much vitamin A can be dangerous and can lead to liver damage and other serious issues. Vitamin A is not well regulated in the U.S. It is not tested for consistency or purity. So, it’s not always possible to know how much you are giving. Most children get enough vitamin A in their diet. Talk to your doctor before giving vitamin A or any other supplements to your child.

Cod liver oil has high amounts of vitamin A, much higher than the recommended daily amounts. Too much cod liver oil can make children sick. It’s also high in vitamin D—another nutrient that can be dangerous if children take more than the recommended daily amount. Do not give your child cod liver oil, unless your doctor prescribes it.

The measles vaccine is the absolute best way to prevent measles.

In fact, one dose is 93% effective, and two doses are 97% effective. The measles vaccine has been around for a long time. It doesn't change from year to year. And it’s the reason why measles was almost completely eliminated from the U.S. As a routine childhood vaccine, most parents choose to protect their children through vaccination.

Read more from HealthyChildren.org

What should I do if I think I've been exposed to measles?

Call your doctor right away to let them know you may have been exposed to someone who has measles. They will let you know what steps to take next. If you do not have a health care provider, call 2-1-1 to be connected to care, or contact the nearest federally qualified health center or one of Vermont's Free & Referral Clinics.

I’m traveling to another country. What should I do to prepare?

Before you travel, tell your doctor where you are traveling. Babies and children may need measles vaccination at a younger age than usual. After you travel, call your doctor if anyone gets a fever and rash within three weeks of returning from your trip. Describe where you traveled.

For more information on making sure you and your family are protected before traveling internationally, visit Plan for Travel - Measles (CDC).

What should I do to prepare my child for summer camp in Vermont?

There are no state vaccination requirements for attending summer camp but camps may have their own. The Health Department recommends that campers and staff receive the recommended dose(s) of MMR vaccine prior to arrival and bring documentation with them.

I operate a summer camp in Vermont. What can I do to limit the risk of measles?

There are no state vaccination requirements for campers or staff but camps may enact their own. Two doses of MMR vaccine are recommended for all school-age children. All adults born in 1957 or later should have at least one dose.

The Health Department recommends summer camps maintain a list of those with and without documentation of MMR vaccination. This documentation will aid in controlling the spread of disease and avoid quarantining or excluding campers if an outbreak occurs.

What to Know About Measles Factsheet

English