06/23/2025 by Kristen Evon
Measles is a highly contagious and potentially deadly disease with confirmed cases in 35 states, including Arizona. It can be dangerous, especially for babies and children. Complications include pneumonia (a lung infection), encephalitis (brain swelling), ear infections and other complications. According to the CDC, about 1 in 1,000 children with measles will develop encephalitis, which can cause permanent brain damage.
It’s considered more contagious than the flu and COVID, spreading easily through coughing, sneezing, and even close conversation. If someone with measles breathes, coughs, or sneezes, the virus can linger in the air for up to two hours, making it extremely infectious.
The best way to prevent measles is through vaccination with the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, which is safe and effective. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles. For children, the first dose of the MMR vaccine is typically given between 12-15 months of age, with a second dose administered between 4-6 years of age. Both doses are needed to reach the highest level of protection.
Not sure if you or a loved one has been vaccinated for measles? During outbreaks, the CDC adMeasles is a highly contagious and potentially deadly disease with confirmed cases in 35 states, including Arizona. It can be dangerous, especially for babies and children. Complications include pneumonia (a lung infection), encephalitis (brain swelling), ear infections and other complications. According to the CDC, about 1 in 1,000 children with measles will develop encephalitis, which can cause permanent brain damage.
It’s considered more contagious than the flu and COVID, spreading easily through coughing, sneezing, and even close conversation. If someone with measles breathes, coughs, or sneezes, the virus can linger in the air for up to two hours, making it extremely infectious.
The best way to prevent measles is through vaccination with the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, which is safe and effective. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles. For children, the first dose of the MMR vaccine is typically given between 12-15 months of age, with a second dose administered between 4-6 years of age. Both doses are needed to reach the highest level of protection.
Not sure if you or a loved one has been vaccinated for measles? During outbreaks, the CDC advises that adults without documented immunity – either through vaccinations or having had the disease – should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, separated by at least 28 days. This is critical for individuals in high-risk groups, including health care workers, people planning international travel, students at post-high school educational institutions and those who come into close contact with people with weakened immune systems.
In addition, some people born between 1963 and 1967 may have received the inactivated measles vaccine, which was less effective than today’s live attenuated vaccine. If that’s you, ask your health care provider about whether you should receive at least one dose of the current MMR vaccine .
Getting the measles vaccine is a simple and highly effective way to protect your family from a potentially severe illness. If you’re unsure about your vaccination status, talk to your healthcare provider today. Staying up to date on your vaccines not only safeguards you but also helps protect vulnerable people around you.vises that adults without documented immunity – either through vaccinations or having had the disease – should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, separated by at least 28 days. This is critical for individuals in high-risk groups, including health care workers, people planning international travel, students at post-high school educational institutions and those who come into close contact with people with weakened immune systems.
In addition, some people born between 1963 and 1967 may have received the inactivated measles vaccine, which was less effective than today’s live attenuated vaccine. If that’s you, ask your health care provider about whether you should receive at least one dose of the current MMR vaccine .
Getting the measles vaccine is a simple and highly effective way to protect your family from a potentially severe illness. If you’re unsure about your vaccination status, talk to your healthcare provider today. Staying up to date on your vaccines not only safeguards you but also helps protect vulnerable people around you.
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