Verify MMR vaccination status before spring break travel – Garfield County, Colorado
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Measles rash on the body of a child.

Verify MMR vaccination status before spring break travel

Nine confirmed cases of the highly contagious disease in Colorado

COMMUNITY NOTICE
March 18, 2026

Colorado has had nine confirmed measles cases as of March 16. Measles is a highly contagious disease that is circulating in the state, and all cases have originated on the Front Range. As spring break travel season nears, health department officials are urging everyone to check the vaccination status of their family members to ensure protection.

Due to its highly contagious nature, if one person has measles as many as 9 out of 10 people nearby can become infected if they are not protected. Getting the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your community. Two doses of MMR vaccine provide approximately 97 percent protection against infection. People who are vaccinated according to the standard vaccine schedule are usually considered protected for life against measles and rubella.

Garfield County Public Health has vaccine available for individuals without insurance. To make an appointment, call 970-625-5200, extension 8116, in Rifle, or 970-945-6614, ext. 2030, in Glenwood Springs.

In Garfield County, 95 percent of school children are fully vaccinated for MMR. To achieve herd immunity against measles, 95 percent of the population must be vaccinated with two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. This is especially important as the United States is seeing the highest rate of measles since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000.

About measles

Measles is more than a rash. It’s a serious respiratory illness that can lead to severe complications, including hearing loss, brain damage, and in serious cases, death. Measles spreads easily, remaining in the air for up to two hours and staying on surfaces, too. A person can spread measles to others even before they show symptoms.

Symptoms and prevention

Measles symptoms begin with fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a rash – that usually starts several days later – on the face and spreads. If you have not had the MMR vaccine, you can still get it within 72 hours of exposure to help prevent illness. In some exposure cases, immunoglobulin given within six days may also help prevent or lessen illness.

Find your vaccine record

You can request an immunization record for yourself or your child from the Colorado Immunization Information System (CIIS).

Garfield County Public Health information is provided online on the Public Health website.