Measles
Last content update: 4/28/25
The best protection against measles is two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, which protects you for life. There has been an increase in measles cases in the United States in 2025, with outbreaks occurring in multiple states. While no outbreaks have occurred in California this year, several measles cases have been reported.
For information on measles cases reported in California in 2025, refer to the California Department of Public Health’s Measles webpage.
What is measles?
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease that is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Measles is so contagious that if one person has it, up to 90 percent of the people close to that person who are not immune will also become infected.
Measles symptoms start with a fever, runny nose, cough, and red eyes, and are followed by a rash that spreads all over the body. Measles rash can be very uncomfortable. Measles can also cause serious complications. Learn more about measles.
What can you do?
Find out if you and your children are vaccinated. Vaccination with two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine is a safe and effective way to provide long-lasting protection against measles. You can check your child’s California digital vaccine record to see their vaccination history. Those who have previously been infected with measles are also protected from being infected with measles again.
Get vaccinated if you are not already vaccinated or are unsure of your vaccination status. Talk with your healthcare provider about getting vaccinated or having a blood test to check for immunity to measles.
Vaccinate your children. The MMR vaccine is included in the routine childhood immunization schedule. Children should receive the first dose at 12 to 15 months and the second dose at 4 to 6 years. Older children can be vaccinated, too, if they missed routine doses.
Follow travel-related vaccination recommendations before visiting high-risk areas. There are travel-related vaccine recommendations for people who are traveling internationally or to outbreak-affected areas in the United States.
Call your healthcare provider if you think you or your child might have measles. Call before going to the medical office so the office can take steps to prevent others from being exposed to measles.
If you have more questions about measles, please contact your healthcare provider.
Where to get vaccinated
- If you or child have a regular healthcare provider, you can talk to them about getting vaccinated
- Travel and Immunization Services offers adults (18 years of age or older) vaccinations - Plan a visit to the Travel and Immunization Clinic
- Community clinics in Santa Clara County offer vaccination services for all ages - English | Spanish | Vietnamese
- The Vaccines for Children program provides free vaccines to Medicaid-eligible or uninsured children age 18 or younger - Find a Vaccines for Children clinic
Need a doctor or health insurance? Call the County's Patient Access Department at 1 (866) 967-4677 or drop in at 770 S. Bascom Ave. San Jose, CA 95128.
Measles and travel
Making travel plans? Make sure you’re vaccinated against measles. Talk to your doctor about travel immunizations at least 4 to 6 weeks before traveling.
Measles is still common in many parts of the world such as Europe, Asia, the Pacific, South America, and Africa. All international travelers over the age of 6 months should be vaccinated against measles before traveling.
There have also been multiple measles outbreaks reported across the United States in 2025. Any person traveling to an outbreak-affected area in the United States should follow all local vaccination recommendations for their destination.
If you develop a fever and rash within 3 weeks of returning from travel, call your doctor and tell them where you traveled.
Information for parents, schools, and childcare centers
- Measles Information Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Measles Information and Data California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
- Immunization Information (Santa Clara County Public Health Department)
- Immunization Resources for School and Childcare Providers (Santa Clara County Public Health Department)
School vaccination rates
Student vaccination rates in California have decreased compared to before the COVID pandemic. Vaccines protect against serious diseases and are still one of the best ways to keep your family healthy. Talk to your doctor about recommended vaccines for your child and make sure your child is up-to-date on their vaccines.
Child care facilities and schools with low vaccination rates are at higher risk for outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles. The measles vaccination rate for children in our county is high - over 97 percent on average in public schools, and over 94 percent on average in private schools, though some individual schools may have much lower rates, and some have rates of 100 percent.
Click below to check for vaccination rate at local schools:
In the news
March 14, 2025 - Bay area health officials urge measles vaccination and awareness as cases rise nationally
July 8, 2024 - Public Health Department responds to public measles exposure in Santa Clara County
March 29, 2024 - Bay Area health officials urge vigilance as measles cases rise in the US