Measles: Your important role in prevention and early detection.

Why measles matters today

Measles, a highly contagious viral infection, is making a concerning comeback in many parts of the world. While the U.S. had eliminated measles as a regular public health threat by 2000, recent outbreaks highlight the continued risk, particularly in unvaccinated populations. As health care providers, you play a crucial role in both preventing and identifying measles early to protect vulnerable individuals and control outbreaks.

Vaccination: The best defense

Measles is preventable and MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccination is the cornerstone of control.

The CDC recommends:

• Two doses of MMR vaccine for all children: first at 12–15 months and second at 4–6 years.
• Catch-up vaccination for all others who are unvaccinated or undervaccinated.
• Adults at high risk (e.g., health care workers, international travelers) should verify their immunity status and receive a booster if needed.

Help protect our communities

By ensuring patients are up to date on their MMR vaccinations, recognizing the signs of measles early, and taking appropriate action, you can prevent outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations. In the face of rising vaccine hesitancy and global mobility, your role in safeguarding public health is more important than ever.