Measles typically starts with cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a fever that can get very high. Three to five days after these symptoms begin, a rash will begin to develop. The rash looks like tiny, red spots that start at the head and spread down to the rest of the body. If you think you or your child might have measles, call your healthcare provider immediately.

The best protection against measles is the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. The MMR vaccine provides long-lasting protection against measles. Adults who are not sure if they have had the vaccine or if they had a prior measles infection should contact their medical provider.

Doctors recommend that most children get the first dose of the MMR vaccine at the age of 12 to 15 months and a second dose at 4 to 6 years of age. The MMR vaccine protects your child from measles, and also against mumps and rubella.

You can schedule a vaccination appointment at JCHD here or by calling 618-684-3143 ext. 150.

Individuals can review their immunization records to make sure you or your child are up to date on MMR vaccine. Immunization records recorded in the Illinois immunization registry, Illinois Comprehensive Automated Immunization Registry Exchange (I-CARE), can be accessed using the Illinois Department of Public Health Vax Verify portal.

Doctors recommend that most children get the first dose of the MMR vaccine at the age of 12 to 15 months and a second dose at 4 to 6 years of age.

The Vaccines for Children program provides MMR vaccine for no out-of-pocket cost to any child 0–18 years and uninsured adults 19 and older. You can schedule a vaccination appointment at JCHD here or by calling 618-684-3143 ext. 150.

If you have been exposed to someone who has measles, you should immediately call your healthcare provider and let them know. Your healthcare provider can determine if you are immune, and can make special arrangements to evaluate you without putting other patients or medical staff at risk.

If you are not immune to measles, MMR vaccine or a medicine called immune globulin may help reduce your risk of developing measles. Your healthcare provider can advise you about whether these are necessary.

If you are not immune to measles and do not get vaccine or immune globulin, you should stay home and isolate for 21 days to ensure that you do not get others sick.

No. Scientists in the United States and other countries have carefully studied the MMR vaccine and have found no link between autism and the MMR vaccine. Read more from the CDC about Autism and vaccines. 

You are at risk of measles infection if you have not been fully vaccinated or have not had measles in the past and you travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading. Adults should plan to be fully vaccinated at least 2 weeks prior to departure. All children older than 6 months should also receive the MMR vaccine. Talk with your health care provider about protecting your baby at least 4 weeks prior to departure. Infants who are too young to be vaccinated should avoid contact with sick people or situations where they may be exposed to sick people. Read more from the CDC  for more information or check if you need measles vaccine before traveling.