The 2025 Big Ledles News focuses on major outbreaks in West Texas and New Mexico, but the deadly virus is spreading much more than in the southwestern United States. Illinois, Missouri and North Dakota have recently confirmed all measles cases.
Measles outbreaks are spreading to countries adjacent to the US – Ontario, Canada A whopping 1,383 Since the outbreak began, the Chihuahuas in Mexico have 713 cases reported Too much.
According to the CDC2 MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccines are 97% effective in preventing measles, but one dose is 93% effective. This is rare for people who have been fully vaccinated to develop measles; The first groundbreaking case Recently detected in Colorado in 2025.
We spoke with the doctor for their professional insights to learn more about the symptoms of measles and whether they should be vaccinated again.
What does measles look like in adults and children?
Measles is one of them Most contagious in the world Viruses with many symptoms to watch out for – the most notable are rashes and fever, especially. CDC. The virus spreads into the air, and when infected, measles attacks the airways.
Cleveland Clinic Note that there is no measles treatment and measles is simply “running the course.” However, the best protection from that is the measles vaccine, which is usually given to babies in the form of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccines.
Measles usually appears as “a very specific rash that starts on the face and spreads across the body.” Dr. Joshua Kinnonsa board-certified internal medicine physician with a Manhattan clinic. Other common secondary symptoms to watch out for include “high fever, cough, runny nose, watery or red eyes.”
Quinon said, “Sometimes you can see small white spots in your mouth. These are called Coprick spots.”
Measles can cause illness to anyone, but the CDC reports that it is particularly dangerous for children under the age of 5. This is because children have an underdeveloped immune system and are at high risk of illness. They are vulnerable, especially if they are not vaccinated.
How does the measles vaccine work?
The measles vaccine prevents people from getting measles. It is known as MMR. Because it is combined with the mumps vaccine ( Infectious virus infection It affects the salivary glands) and rubella (usually, it is usually another infectious viral infection It starts with a rash on the red face). You will also see MMRVs containing water cell or chicken po vaccines.
“Vaccinations are a living virus that introduces a very weak form of measles so that your body can practice fighting it,” says Quinon. “This will prepare your immune system to fight measles if you are exposed.”
Usually, one dose is given in early childhood, followed by a second dose several years later. Vaccination is especially important for children due to their weak immune system. This is why both doses are recommended before they are in school, where they will be exposed to more children (and more bacteria).
The MMR vaccine is usually given to children in two lifetime doses, but adults can also receive it.
Who should get the measles vaccine?
Measles vaccines are usually given to all children. The first vaccine is usually given between 12 and 15 months, while the second vaccine is given between the ages of 4 and 6 before the child goes to school. CDC. However, as long as the doses are properly spaced, ages will vary.
Vaccines can also be administered to adults who have not been vaccinated before or are not immune, but are usually only given once. Dr. Omar Al-Hiety, an assistant professor of medicine at Southern Illinois University, practices internal medicine specialising in infectious diseases, and one of the CNET medical examiners adds that adults born after 1957 should have at least one dose of MMR vaccine or false evidence.
According to Al-Heeti, presumed evidence of immunity is defined as one of the following:
- Written document of vaccination using two doses of live measles or MMR vaccines administered at least 28 days apart
- Laboratory evidence of immunity (positive serum IgG)
- Illness laboratory check
- Birth before 1957 (Birth before 1957 is considered presumed evidence of immunity, according to the CDC, but medical facilities should consider getting vaccinated with two MMR vaccinations as unvaccinated healthcare workers (HCPs) born before 1957 lack laboratory evidence of measles immunity or disease.
CDC Adults who work in the medical field, attend college or university, or travel internationally are advised to obtain two doses internationally that have been separated for at least 28 days, as they are considered at a higher risk of acquiring an infectious disease.
Should I get a measles booster if I’ve already been vaccinated?
Despite the ongoing outbreak of measles, unless you have already been fully vaccinated or proven immunity (previous infection/exposure), you will not need to take additional measles vaccines.
“If someone is fully vaccinated against measles (two doses) and has not developed any major immunodeficiency disease (such as organ transplantation), your immunity must be sufficient without the need for further doses.” Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.
The first measles vaccine dose is usually given to infants and young children, with a second dose given during childhood. If the second dose is not administered, someone could be at a higher risk of measles and in fact could benefit from another measles vaccine.
recently Report Some people who were originally vaccinated in the 1970s and 1980s said they may need a new vaccine because the original vaccine wasted. This may be because they have only been given one dose and the vaccine has evolved since then and may not have been caught in some people’s medical records.
“If you already have a full series, you don’t need any additional doses. However, if you have any doubts, we highly recommend checking the power star,” Quinones says. “Extra shots don’t add any extra protection because you’re very well protected.” According to Mount Sinai, antibody titer tests measure the level of antibodies in blood samples to see which vaccines are needed.
Check with your primary care physician about vaccinations, check if your MMR vaccination is up to date, and see if you need a booster. If it’s the latest and you’re not immune to immunocompromised, you probably won’t need an extra shot. CDC It should also be noted that adults who have received a single dose and have “presumed evidence of immunity” (vaccination and documentation of immunity) do not need to obtain another one.
If you are already protected from measles, the booster will not provide additional protection.
Who should not get the measles vaccine?
Measles vaccines are generally considered safe, but some groups of people recommend avoiding it. Quinones recommends that pregnant people do not take the vaccine. It is also recommended to wait at least a month after giving birth before getting the vaccine.
CDC It also recommends that people who have an allergic reaction to the first MMR vaccine should avoid getting a second dose. Additionally, people with “severe, life-threatening” allergies should consult their doctor before getting vaccinated, as they may not be safe.
People with weakened immune systems should consult their doctor about taking the vaccine, especially if it is caused by illness or treatment. If immunodeficiency is carried out in a family, this can cause problems with the shot.
Vaccines can also react to recent blood transfusions, so it is not recommended to obtain an MMR or MMRV within at least three months of receiving blood from someone. According to the CDC, if you are currently suffering from tuberculosis, bruises, or bleeding, do not take the vaccine.
MMR doses should be spaced at least by 28 days. Also, if you have another vaccine within 28 days, don’t get any of these doses either. It is also important to let your healthcare provider know that you can advise whether you have recently suffered from illness – any type of illness, whether vaccinations are safe. If your parent brings a child to vaccinate, advise your doctor if your baby is sick or shows symptoms of a previous concern.
Alternatively, if you were born before 1957, you may already be immune.
Is the measles vaccine safe?
With a medical professional CDC, The measles vaccine is safe and effective. After getting a shot, there may be some minor side effects, but they generally disappear quickly in minor.
“Measles vaccines can cause fever, chills and muscle pain/pain within days of injection,” Adarja said.
Quinones also notes that pain can be felt at the injection site following the shot.
Beyond this, the CDC reports that it is possible to see bleeding disorders that will ultimately resolve, in the cheeks, necks and in rare cases. In more severe cases, it is possible to develop an allergic reaction to a vaccine that requires immediate call to 911, especially if you have breathing, severe swelling, or dizziness.
The CDC also reports a small link between MMR vaccines and febrile attacks, but it is rare and not associated with long-term effects. However, organizations recommend that parents vaccinate their children early in order to reduce the likelihood of this outbreak.
The CDC also calls for the notion that vaccines were once associated with autism, citing experts and research to block the possibility that the two are linked together. The CDC states, “There is no link between autism and vaccines, including thimerosal as a preservative.”
Does health insurance cover the measles vaccine?
Usually, all health insurance market plans and private insurance plans will offer MMR vaccines (and other common vaccines) without having to pay out of pocket or claim for coinsurance, as long as you are with your in-network provider. CDC. Medicare could also cover vaccines, whether it’s Part B or Part D.
Military benefits may also vary with coverage, but MMR vaccines are probably most likely to be covered, as the CDC recommends full coverage.
Conclusion
Despite the outbreak currently occurring in the US, people don’t need to take another measles vaccine if they’re already fully vaccinated. However, doctors are advised to look into whether booster shots are particularly necessary if they are concerned about the effectiveness of the vaccinations they receive, especially if they are occurring in the community. If so, experts will make it clear that the measles vaccine is safe and protects you from the virus.
