How to Prevent Measles — Plus, 4 Other Pharmacist Tips for Optimal Measles Protection
Key takeaways:
Two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine are 97% effective against measles. It’s the best way to prevent measles.
If you don’t have immunity to measles through vaccination or a previous infection, there are steps you can take to protect yourself after an exposure. One way is to get an MMR vaccine within 3 days of the measles exposure.
Measles tends to cause a red rash that spreads over the entire body. Serious complications include brain swelling and pneumonia. It can be life-threatening in some cases.
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Let’s say you and your family attended a birthday party a few days ago. Afterward you discover that someone at the party had measles. This causes concern, especially if you’ve heard about recent measles outbreaks across the U.S. Dozens of cases have been reported in 2024.
Thankfully, there are two safe and effective measles vaccines available. The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine comes as M-M-R II and PRIORIX, and it protects against measles and two other diseases. The MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella) vaccine — also known as ProQuad — adds protection against varicella (chickenpox).
Your pharmacist and other members of your healthcare team can provide advice on how to prevent measles. They can also recommend steps to take if you’re exposed to this virus. These tools can help keep you and your family healthy.
1. There are several strategies for measles prevention
Vaccination is hands down the best way to prevent measles. You can get the MMR or MMRV vaccine at a doctor’s office, pharmacy, or health department. But you can help prevent measles in other ways too.
Strategy 1: Routine vaccination
Studies show the MMR vaccine is safe and effective. It’s approved for adults and kids ages 12 months and older. The MMRV has a more limited age range, but it’s still beneficial. It can be administered to kids ages 12 months to 12 years old. For simplicity, we’ll focus on the MMR vaccine here.
The CDC recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine as part of your child’s routine vaccine series. It is recommended that kids receive their first dose when they’re 12 to 15 months old and their second dose when they’re 4 to 6 years old.
One dose is 93% effective against measles. After two doses, the MMR vaccine is 97% effective.
Good to know: Don’t worry if your child isn’t up to date on their MMR series. It’s never too late to get caught up. For example, if your child is getting their first MMR vaccine at 7 years old, they can get their second dose 28 days later.
Strategy 2: Proactive vaccination for outbreaks or international travel
Sometimes it’s recommended that kids get the MMR vaccine early. This is done for extra protection in certain situations. If your infant is 6 to 11 months old and there’s a measles outbreak in your community, their pediatrician may recommend getting one dose of the MMR vaccine right away.
People of all ages should consider planning ahead before international travel. Measles outbreaks can happen worldwide. It’s best to set up an appointment with your healthcare professional (HCP) at least 6 weeks before traveling if you need an MMR vaccine. This will help give the vaccine time to kick in for optimal protection before your trip.
This is also recommended for infants ages 6 to 11 months old who are traveling internationally to certain places. They should get one dose before you depart, but keep in mind they will still need two more MMR doses: one at 12 to 15 months old and the other at 4 to 6 years old.
Strategy 3: Know whether you’re immune to measles
If you’re an adult and not sure whether you’re immune to measles, there are ways to check.
Your age is one clue. If you were born before 1957, you likely had measles as a child because the vaccine wasn’t available yet. But if you were born in 1957 or later and never had measles, you should receive at least one dose of the MMR vaccine if you didn’t get a measles vaccine as a child.
In other cases, certain adults should make sure they have had two MMR doses. Specifically, some people have a higher risk of catching measles because of their work or living situation. College students, HCPs, and adults traveling abroad are a few examples.
Contact your HCP with any questions about whether you need an MMR vaccine. They may recommend a lab test to see if you have immunity to measles.
2. It’s helpful to know why measles outbreaks are occurring
Measles is one of the most contagious respiratory illnesses. Even though the disease was eliminated from the U.S. in 2000, outbreaks can still pop up.
Vaccine misinformation, leading to falling vaccination rates, is a key cause of this. Your pharmacist can clear up any questions you have about the MMR vaccine. One common myth is that the MMR vaccine causes autism. Numerous studies have proven that this is false.
MMR vaccination rates have dropped to less than 95% in some states. When this happens, herd immunity is less effective. Herd immunity offers protection when a large percentage of people are vaccinated. Herd immunity also helps protect people who can’t get the MMR vaccine. This includes babies younger than 6 months old and people who are immunocompromised.
3. Watch out for these signs and symptoms of measles
Measles starts like other viruses. You may initially notice a fever, a runny nose, and a cough. These symptoms usually appear 1 to 2 weeks after you’re exposed to someone with measles. Small white spots may also form inside the mouth 2 to 3 days after symptoms start.
What sets measles apart from other illnesses is the rash and the way it forms. These skin symptoms usually appear 3 to 5 days after your initial symptoms start. Red spots start at the face by the hairline and spread down the whole body.
In some cases, measles can be quite serious. Brain swelling can happen in 1 out of every 1,000 kids infected with measles. Pneumonia affects 1 out of every 20 kids with measles. It can be life-threatening in some cases.
4. Here’s what to do if you develop measles symptoms
If you think you have measles, call your HCP right away. (Avoid going in person to prevent exposing others to measles.) Your HCP should report all measles cases, even hypothetical or probable ones, to the health department. They can also talk to you about next steps and how to isolate.
If you’re told to stay home, rest and drink plenty of fluids. This will give your body the best chance to recover quickly. You can manage many of your symptoms at home with over-the-counter (OTC) medications when needed. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) are OTC options for managing your fever. You can even alternate acetaminophen and ibuprofen, especially if you have a high fever.
It’s best to stay home until at least 4 days after your rash starts. This is when you’re most contagious. But if you experience serious symptoms — such as shortness of breath, seizures, or neck stiffness — seek emergency care.
5. Exposed to measles? Keep these steps in mind
If you’re exposed to measles, contact your HCP without delay. They’ll report the situation to the health department for testing and contact tracing purposes.
Then check your records to see if you and your family have had the MMR vaccine. You can also check your health records to see if you’re immune due to a previous measles infection. If you have immunity through vaccination or a previous infection, then you’re good to go. You’re unlikely to catch measles.
If you were exposed to measles and don’t have immunity, it’s important to isolate yourself from other people. It’s especially important to avoid schools, day care centers, and nurseries. You can contact your HCP for isolation advice. Based on your situation, they can tell you how long to separate yourself from others. This will help prevent measles from spreading throughout the community. Measles is very contagious.
Your HCP can also tell you if you should get a dose of the MMR vaccine. Receiving the vaccine within 3 days of a measles exposure can help prevent an infection. Injectable immunoglobulin is another option that’s given within 6 days of a measles exposure.
The bottom line
The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is the best tool for preventing measles. The CDC recommends two routine doses for young children. It’s also recommended to consider proactive MMR vaccinations during a measles outbreak or before international travel — particularly for infants. Adults are urged to verify their immunity status and receive vaccinations when necessary.
If you’re exposed to measles, isolate yourself from others and ask a healthcare professional about next steps.
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References
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Global measles.
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