Measles cases are increasing nationally, and cases have been reported in Colorado. Many families are asking what this means for them and what steps help. Below is a practical overview of how measles spreads, how well vaccination protects, and what to consider for children, infants, and adults.
How measles spreads (and why it’s so contagious)
- Airborne spread: Measles spreads through the air and is extremely contagious.
- It can linger: The virus can remain in the air for up to 2 hours after an infected person leaves. If someone who is not vaccinated enters that space, the chance of infection can be as high as about 90–95%.
- When people are contagious: Measles can spread from about 4 days before the rash appears until about 4 days after it appears.
- Vaccine protection: Vaccination is about 97% protective.
Routine child schedule (MMR)
For most children, the routine MMR schedule is:
The measles vaccine is widely described as safe and effective. In the U.S., measles vaccination is available only as combination vaccines: MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, varicella/chickenpox). There is no single-component measles vaccine.
- 1st dose: 12–15 months (about 93% protection after age 12 months).
- 2nd dose: 4–6 years (about 97% protection; considered full immunity).
A couple of planning notes:
- Timing: It takes about 10–14 days after vaccination to build protection.
- Travel/outbreak: If you’re traveling to (or living in) an outbreak area and your child has had only 1 dose, ask your clinician about an early 2nd dose.
Infants and early vaccination
- Age 6–11 months: Infants 6 months and older can get an early MMR (“dose zero”) for temporary protection, but they still need the two routine doses later.
- Important: A dose given between 6 and 12 months does not count toward the routine schedule, but it can provide protection.
- Under 6 months: Infants cannot receive MMR yet. If possible, avoid travel to outbreak areas.
Adults and other family members (parents, grandparents, caregivers)
- Born before 1957: Generally considered immune.
- Two doses or proof of immunity: If you’ve had two doses or have lab proof of immunity (titers), you’re considered protected.
- Third dose: No third dose is indicated.
Why community protection matters
Vaccination protects your family and helps protect people who can’t be vaccinated or who are medically vulnerable (for example: young infants, people receiving cancer treatment, people with immune deficiencies, and organ transplant recipients).
If your child is unvaccinated and may have been exposed (or is sick)
- Call before you come in: Contact your healthcare provider first so they can guide next steps and help avoid exposing others in waiting rooms.
- Limit close contact: Try to keep your child away from others while you’re sorting this out—especially infants, pregnant people, and anyone immunocompromised.
- Be ready to share: Symptoms, possible exposure date/location, and vaccination status.
- Follow public health guidance: Especially if you’re contacted or if there’s an active outbreak in your area. CDPHE Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment
If you would like your child to receive an early measles vaccination or complete their MMR series, please call to schedule an immunization visit 970-482-2515.
This post is for general information and isn’t a substitute for medical advice. If you have questions about vaccination timing or possible exposure, contact your child’s pediatrician.