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Measles

Stick figures showing one person in red who infects 9 others in yellow.

Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is so contagious that if one person has it, 9 out of 10 people of all ages around him or her will also become infected if they are not protected.

Stop the spread of 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. It can remain in the air for up to two hours and stays on surfaces, too. If one person has it, nine out of 10 people who are unprotected around them will get measles. A person can spread measles to others even before they show symptoms.

Do I need a measles booster?

Measles doesn’t mutate the same way that some other viruses do. A person who is fully vaccinated (two doses) against measles will usually be protected for life. People born before 1957 are likely to have been infected and are presumed protected.

The best protection

The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine works extremely well and is your best protection against measles. A person who has received two doses of measles vaccine is typically protected for life. It is highly effective, providing about 93 percent protection after one dose and about 97 percent protection after two doses. The MMR vaccine has been included in the U.S. routine childhood vaccination schedule since the early 1990s, and measles vaccines have been routinely recommended since the early 1960s. CDPHE recommends that all children and adults who aren’t already immune get vaccinated.

  • Children should receive two doses of MMR vaccine, the first at 12-15 months and the second at 4-6 years.
  • Infants (6-11 months) should receive a dose of MMR vaccine before international travel, ideally two weeks prior. Infants who get one dose of MMR vaccine before their first birthday should get two more doses according to the routinely recommended schedule.

Adults who may need to be vaccinated include:

  • Those who were vaccinated before 1968 and received early, inactivated versions of the measles vaccine, which weren’t as effective as the current MMR vaccine.
  • Those who were born in 1958 or later who are unsure of their MMR vaccination history. There is no harm in getting a dose of MMR vaccine even if you may be immune already.
  • Health care personnel who do not have evidence of immunity or two doses of MMR vaccine, separated by at least 28 days.

There is no recommendation for adults born between 1968 and 1989, who likely received just one dose of the measles vaccine, to receive a second dose of MMR unless they belong to certain high-risk groups like health care providers. Anyone in this population who is concerned about their level of protection should speak with their health care provider before seeking MMR vaccination.

Where to get vaccinated

The MMR vaccine is available at low or no cost at various locations, including:

  • Doctor’s offices
  • Community health centers
  • Pharmacies
  • Public health clinics

Health First Colorado (Medicaid), Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+), and most private health insurers cover the cost of the MMR vaccine, so you don’t have to pay anything at providers that accept your health plan. Even without health insurance, you can get recommended vaccines for no or low cost at locations statewide.

Measles symptoms

Measles symptoms typically appear 7-21 days after exposure and include:

  • High fever (may spike above 104°F)
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Red, watery eyes
  • Rash (3-5 days after other symptoms begin)

If you develop these symptoms, stay away from others and contact your health care provider immediately.

*If measles is found in Garfield County, the Health Department will post a list of places, dates, and times where people may have been exposed. Exposures may necessitate that some people stay home in case they become sick (quarantine), or stay home until they are no longer contagious (isolation).

Action checklist

  • Know your measles immunity status. Evidence of immunity includes:
    • Written documentation of adequate MMR vaccination
    • Laboratory evidence of immunity
    • Laboratory confirmation of disease
    • Birth before 1957
  • Get vaccinated. If you are not immune or unsure of your MMR vaccination status, talk with your health care provider. You may be able to find your or your child’s vaccine records through the Colorado Immunization Information System (CIIS) public portal.
  • Check your travel destination. Measles outbreaks are occurring in different parts of the U.S. and globally. Check the CDC’s Measles Cases and Outbreaks webpage for domestic travel and the CDC’s Global Measles Travel Health webpage for international travel.