Measles cases are everywhere in us, Mexico and Canada. Learn how to protect yourself
While the 2025 Measles News focuses on major outbreaks in West Texas and New Mexico, the spread of the deadly virus far exceeds that of the Southwest. Illinois, Missouri and North Dakota have confirmed cases of measles in recent days.
The measles outbreak has spread to the country bordering the United States – Ontario, Canada, and has had 1,383 cases since the outbreak, and 713 cases have been reported in Chihuahua, Mexico.
According to the CDC, two doses of MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccines are effective 97% and prevent measles, while one dose is effective 93%. Despite the recent discovery of the first breakthrough case of 2025 in Colorado, this is not common for people who have fully vaccinated measles.
To learn more about measles symptoms and whether you need to get vaccinated again, we have expert insights with your doctor.
What does measles look like in adults and children?
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world and has many symptoms to be paid attention to – especially rashes and fevers. The virus spreads through the air and once infected, measles will attack your respiratory tract.
The Cleveland Clinic notes that measles cannot be cured, and measles only requires “running”. However, its best protection is the measles vaccine, which is usually given to the baby in the form of MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccines.
Measles usually manifest as “a very special rash that starts from the face and spreads to the body,” said Dr. Yoshua Quinones, a board-certified physician at the Manhattan Medical Office. Other common side symptoms to be aware of include “high fever, cough, runny nose, watery or red eyes.”
“Occasionally, you may see small white spots in your mouth. These are called Koplik spots,” Quinns added.
Although measles can and can make anyone sick, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that this is particularly dangerous for children under the age of 5. This is because children’s immune systems are undeveloped and have a high risk of illness, making them vulnerable – especially if they are not vaccinated.
How does the measles vaccine work?
Measles vaccines protect people from measles. It is called MMR because it is used in combination with a vaccine for mumps, an infectious viral infection that affects the salivary glands, and rubella (another infectious viral infection that usually begins with a red facial rash). You may also see MMRV, which includes vaccines for chickenpox or chickenpox.
“The vaccine is a live virus that introduces a very weak form of measles so your body can practice fighting,” Quinonnis said. “This will prepare your immune system for your immune system to fight measles.”
Usually one dose is taken in infancy and a second dose is taken after a few years. Vaccination is especially important for children because of their weaker immune systems. That’s why it is recommended to use both doses before going to school, where they will be exposed to more children (and more bacteria).
The MMR vaccine is usually provided by children with two doses in the early stages of life, but it is also acceptable to adults.
Who deserves a measles vaccine?
Measles vaccines are usually given to all children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the first vaccine is usually conducted between 12 and 15 months old, and the second one is between 4 and 6 years old before children go to school. However, ages will vary as long as the dose is properly spaced.
Vaccines can also be given to adults who have never been vaccinated or are not immunized before, although they usually receive only one dose. Dr. Omar Al-Heeti, assistant professor of medicine at Southern Illinois University, Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine in Infectious Diseases, and one of CNET’s medical examiners, added that adults born in 1957 or after should have at least one dose of MMR vaccine or evidence of immune immunity.
According to Al-Heeti, the supposed immune evidence is defined as one of the following:
- Written documentation for vaccination, two live measles or MMR vaccines at least 28 days apart
- Laboratory Immune Evidence (positive serum IgG)
- Laboratory confirmed disease
- Birth before 1957 (According to the CDC, although birth before 1957 is considered presumptive evidence of immunity, because unvaccinated health care workers (HCPs) who were born before 1957 lack laboratory evidence for measles immunity or laboratory-confirmed disease, health care facilities should consider people who receive two doses of MMR vaccines to get vaccinated with MMR.
The CDC recommends that adults working in the healthcare field, at least two doses separated by at least 28 days in the area of healthcare, or international travel, because they believe they are at a higher risk of infection.
Should you get a measles booster if you have been vaccinated?
Despite the measles outbreak, it may not be necessary to get an additional measles vaccine – unless you have not been fully vaccinated or have proven immunity (previous infection/exposure).
“If someone is fully vaccinated with measles (two doses) and does not have major immune ammunition disorders (e.g., organ transplants), then their immunity is sufficient and no further dose is required,” said Amesh A. Adalja, a senior scholar at Johns Hoppkins, who does not require further doses. ”
The first measles vaccine dose is usually given to infants and young children and the second dose is given in childhood. If a second dose is never given, someone may be at a higher risk of measles and, in fact, will now benefit from another measles vaccine.
A recent report noted that some people were initially vaccinated in the 1970s and 1980s and may need a new vaccine because the original vaccine has disappeared. This may be because they have only taken one dose since then and the vaccine has evolved and may not be captured in some people’s medical records.
“If you already have a full range, you don’t need an extra dose; however, I highly recommend that you have any questions, check the titers,” said Quinonnis. “The extra shot never adds extra protection because you are well protected.” According to Mount Sinai, the antibody titer test measures antibody levels in blood samples to see what vaccines you might need.
Ask your primary care doctor to check your vaccination status to see if your MMR vaccination is up to date and see if you need a booster. If it’s newest and you’re not immune to low dysfunction, you probably don’t need extra shots. The CDC also noted that adults who have received a dose and have “evidence of immunization” – evidence of vaccination or immunization – do not need to obtain another.
If you are already protected by measles, the booster will not provide additional protection.
Who shouldn’t get a measles vaccine?
Although measles vaccines are generally considered safe, some people are advised to avoid them. Quinns advises pregnant women not to receive vaccines. It is also recommended to wait at least one month after delivery before getting vaccinated.
The CDC also recommends that people who are allergic to the first MMR vaccine stop when they get a second dose. Additionally, people with any “severe, life-threatening” allergies should consult a doctor before getting vaccinated, as this may not be safe.
Those with weak immune systems should also consult a doctor for a vaccine, especially because of illness or medical care. This can also cause shooting problems if the family runs in the home.
Vaccines may also be associated with recent blood transfusions, so it is not recommended to obtain MMR or MMRV within at least three months of receiving blood from someone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you should not get a vaccine if you currently have tuberculosis or bruises or are prone to bleeding.
MMR doses need to be spaced at least within 28 days, and you should not get one of them if you also receive another vaccine within 28 days. It is also important to let your healthcare provider know if you have been ill recently – with any disease – so they can recommend whether to still be vaccinated safely. If you are a parent who brings your child to the vaccination, advise your doctor whether you are sick or exhibit any previous symptoms of concern.
Or, if you were born before 1957, you may already be immune.
Is the measles vaccine safe?
According to medical experts and the CDC, the measles vaccine is safe and effective. Some minor side effects may occur after shooting, but are usually small and disappear quickly.
“In the days after the injection, the measles vaccine may cause fever, chills and muscle soreness,” Adalja said.
Quinns also pointed out that there is a possibility of pain at the injection site after the shot.
In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that it is possible to see some swelling on the cheeks or neck, and in rare cases, bleeding disorders will eventually resolve themselves. In more severe cases, an allergic reaction to this vaccine may be caused, which requires a call to 911 immediately, especially if you have difficulty breathing, swelling or dizziness.
The CDC also reported a small link between MMR vaccines and febrile seizures, but rarely, and has nothing to do with long-term effects. However, the organization advises parents to vaccinate their children as early as possible to reduce the chances of this.
The CDC also put forward the idea that any possibility that vaccines have been associated with autism and are related to each other on the grounds of experts and research. “There is no link between autism and vaccines containing thimerosal as a preservative,” the CDC said.
Does health insurance cover measles vaccine?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), generally all health insurance market plans and private insurance plans offer MMR vaccines (as well as other common vaccines) without the need for symbiosis or co-insurance fees, as long as you are an in-network provider. Medicare may also cover vaccines, both in Part B and Part D, and Medicaid may also cover vaccines, but it is best to have a close check with your medical facility and determine whether to use Medicare or Medicaid.
Military benefits may also vary by coverage, but the MMR vaccine is likely to be covered as the CDC recommends covering it on the board.
Bottom line
Despite the outbreak currently happening in the United States, people do not need to get a measles vaccine if they have received enough vaccinations. However, a doctor advises you to contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions about the efficacy of the vaccination you receive and to determine if shooting is necessary, especially if an outbreak in your community breaks out. If so, experts make it clear that the measles vaccine is safe and will protect you from the virus.
