Measles

• Measles is a serious illness that spreads very easily. Symptoms include rash, fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes.
• Measles is spread from person to person through the air. The virus can live in the air and on surfaces for up to 2 hours after an infected person was in the area.
• Someone who has measles can spread it 4 days before the rash begins, and 4 days after it's gone.

Measles is preventable with the safe and highly effective measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

• Two doses of MMR vaccines are 97% effective at preventing measles.
• One does is 93% effective.

Children

Due to a locally acquired case of measles in Iowa that was not linked to other known cases, an accelerated MMR vaccination schedule is recommended. Iowans should discuss these recommendations with their child's healthcare provider.

The accelerated schedule includes an early extra dose of MMR between 6 and 11 months of age ("dose 0") that does NOT count toward the routine series. Children should then receive their first routine dose (dose 1) right at age one. A second routine dose should be given as soon as one month later. 

Dose Zero	First Dose	Second Dose
An early extra dose between 6 and 11 months of age (this dose does NOT count towards the routine series).	On their first birthday at least 28 days after dose 0.	As soon as 28 days after the first dose (three months if receiving the MMRV vaccine).

Adults

Year Vaccinated	Recommendation
Born before 1957	No vaccine needed. Most people were naturally exposed and are assumed immune.
1963-1967	Check with your healthcare provider. A second dose of MMR may be needed if you received the less effective version of the vaccine.
Before 1989	Check with your healthcare provider. MMR was recommended as a single dose for most people. Individuals at higher risk may need an additional dose. Higher risk groups include healthcare workers, college students, and those traveling internationally.
After 1989	Two doses of MMR or MMRV.

Both children and adults traveling somewhere measles is spreading should talk to their health care provider about their vaccination status. 

How do I know if I've been vaccinated?
If you are unsure if you have received the MMR vaccine, you can request your immunization records from:

• Your health care provider
• Iowa Health and Human Services by calling (800) 374-3958 or emailing [email protected]
• Bremer County Health Department by calling (319) 352-0082 or email [email protected]

• If you've had two doses of the MMR vaccine, you don't need a booster. The vaccine protection lasts for life.
• If you've only had one dose of MMR vaccine and will be in a setting that poses a high risk for measles transmission, talk to your health care provider about getting a second dose.

• -If you've been expose to measles, call your health care provider as soon possible.
• -If symptoms develop, stay at home, and avoid school, work, and any gatherings. Call your health care provider immediately.
• -IMPORTANT: if you think you could have measles, DO NOT enter a health care facility before calling them.

For more information about protecting yourself and your loved ones from measles, visit:

• Measles Vaccination | Measles (Rubeola) | CDC
• Measles | Health & Human Services