Measles
Immunizations Recommendation for Adults
Adults and teens should also be up to date on MMR vaccinations with either 1 or 2 doses (depending on risk factors); unless they have other presumptive evidence of immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella.
MMR vaccination is especially important for healthcare professionals, international travelers, and other specific groups.
One dose of MMR vaccine, or other presumptive evidence of immunity, is sufficient for most adults.
Providers generally do not need to actively screen adult patients for measles immunity in non-outbreak areas in the United States.
After vaccination, it is also not necessary to test patients for antibodies to confirm immunity. There is no recommendation for a catch-up program among adults for a second dose of MMR (e.g., people born before 1989 or otherwise).
Measles Vaccination for Specific Groups
Measles vaccine is recommended for vaccinating people in specific groups who do not have evidence of immunity against measles, including:
College students
International travelers
Healthcare personnel
Close contacts of immunocompromised people
People with HIV infection
Adults who got inactivated measles vaccine
Groups at increased risk during measles outbreak
As of March 6, 2025, a total of 222 measles cases have been reported by twelve U.S. jurisdictions this year: Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, and Washington; 201 of which occurred in New Mexico and Texas. Most of the 222 cases are among children who had not received the MMR vaccine.
There have been three outbreaks, with an outbreak defined as three or more related cases, reported in 2025, and 93% of cases are outbreak-associated. For comparison, 16 outbreaks were reported during 2024 and 69% of cases were outbreak-associated.
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that typically begins with fever, cough, coryza (runny nose), and conjunctivitis (pink eye), lasting 2-4 days prior to rash onset. Measles can cause severe health complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and death. The virus is transmitted by direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles virus can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to 2 hours after an infected person leaves an area.
Infected people are contagious from 4 days before the rash starts through 4 days afterward. The incubation period for measles, from exposure to fever, is usually about 7–10 days, and from exposure to rash onset is usually about 10–14 days (with a range of 7 to 21 days).
ACOEM Resources
COVID-19 Updates and Measles Outbreaks (03/06/24)
Dr. Ismail Nabeel and Dr. Amy Behrman
Other Vaccine Information
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COVID-19
Guidance on COVID-19 vaccines and booster doses.
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Mpox (Monkeypox)
Guidance for the prevention and treatment of Mpox.
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Travel
Guidance on what vaccines are necessary for employees who travel.
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Vaccine Hesitancy
Resources to address vaccine hesitancy and improve vaccine communication.