Measles

Key Points

Keep your evidence of immunity accessible. If you’ve been vaccinated or had measles in the past, make sure you can easily access this documentation in case you are exposed.

If you do not have documentation showing evidence of immunity, contact your healthcare provider to determine if vaccination is appropriate for you.

If you think you’ve been exposed or have symptoms, call your provider before visiting a clinic or hospital for testing or treatment. Measles is highly contagious and you will be given special instructions on when and where you should go for care.

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What is measles, and how does it spread?

Measles is a serious illness that spreads easily.

Symptoms usually appear 7 to 14 days after an infection. However, it can take up to 21 days post-exposure for symptoms to occur. Symptoms can include:

High fever (up to 104°F)
Runny nose
Cough
Red, watery eyes
Rash (three-five days after symptoms begin)

Measles can cause serious health problems.

Health problems caused by measles include lung infections (pneumonia), brain damage, and pregnancy complications.
One out of every four people who get measles will be hospitalized.
One to three out of every 1,000 children infected with measles will die, even with the best care.

Measles spreads from person-to-person through the air.

The virus can live in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person was in the area.
An infected person can pass it to others before they even know they’re sick.
If you are unvaccinated and exposed to measles, there’s a 90% chance you’ll get infected.

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How can I stay safe from measles?

The best way to prevent measles is to get vaccinated.
The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine provides extremely powerful protection. Two doses of MMR vaccine are 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is 93% effective.
Keep your evidence of immunity accessible in case you are exposed.

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What is evidence of immunity to measles?

Evidence of immunity to measles means you have one of the following:

Birth before 1957. However, people born outside the U.S. may need vaccine records or a test showing immunity, since measles history and immunity may not be as well known or documented in other countries.
Written documentation of having received one or more doses of the MMR vaccine
Laboratory evidence of immunity (also known as a measles titer)
Laboratory confirmation of having previously been infected with measles

Individuals should obtain this documentation and keep it easily accessible. Evidence of immunity may be needed if you are exposed to someone with measles.

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Who needs the measles vaccine or a vaccine booster?

For Children

Children should receive their first MMR vaccine right at age one. A second dose should be given as soon as one month later.

Babies 6-11 months old should get an early dose before international travel.

Vaccine Dose Timing

First Dose	Second Dose
On their first birthday	As soon as 28 days after first dose (three months if receiving the MMRV vaccine)

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For Adults

Vaccine Recommendations by Year

Year Vaccinated	Recommendation
Born before 1957	No vaccine needed. Measles was widespread at that time. Most people were naturally exposed and are assumed immune.
1963-1967	Check with your healthcare provider. A second MMR dose may be needed if you received the less effective version of the vaccine.(Note: this is the case for the minority of people).
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.

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How do I know if I’ve been vaccinated?

Immunization records can be requested from:

Your medical provider
Iowa Health and Human Services Immunization Program
Black Hawk County Public Health

Individuals without a medical provider can request their immunization records from Black Hawk County Public Health during regular business hours. To do so, they must complete a request form and provide a current state-issued ID. A copy of the ID will be made and kept on file along with the completed request form. The printed record will be available for pickup 24 hours after the request is submitted, or on the next business day if the request is made on a Friday or before a holiday.

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What should I do if I've been exposed to measles?

If you’ve been exposed to measles, contact your health care provider as soon as possible.
If you do not have a health care provider, contact Black Hawk County Public Health at (319) 291-2413.
‍IMPORTANT: If you were exposed to measles, do not go to a doctor’s office, urgent care, emergency room, or Black Hawk County Public Health without calling first. Because measles is highly contagious, you may be asked to use a special entrance or arrive outside of normal hours. This would reduce the risk of spreading measles to others.

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What should I do if I think I have measles?

If symptoms develop, stay at home, and avoid school, work and any gatherings. Notify your health care provider immediately.
IMPORTANT: If you were exposed to measles, do not go to a doctor’s office, urgent care, emergency room, or Black Hawk County Public Health without calling first. Because measles is highly contagious, you may be asked to use a special entrance or arrive outside of normal hours. This would reduce the risk of spreading measles to others.

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Where can I get the MMR vaccine?

Individuals in need of the MMR vaccine can schedule at appointment at:

Their medical provider
Their local pharmacy - Call ahead for current availability.
Black Hawk County Public Health

Due to ongoing measles outbreaks across the United States, Black Hawk County Public Health, in partnership with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Immunization Program, is offering the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine at no charge to all individuals, regardless of insurance status or residency. Call to schedule an appointment at (319) 291-2413.

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