Special Edition MVCP Newsletter: Measles Update

Measles cases are still on the rise. As of April17^th the CDC reported a total 800 confirmed cases of measles for 2025: CDC Measles Cases and Outbreaks

Here at the Massachusetts Vaccine Confidence Project we are committed to increasing vaccine confidence and ensuring that all Massachusetts residents are protected against vaccine preventable diseases.

Interested in receiving future MVCP newsletters? Click here to subscribe.

MDPH MEASLES CLINICAL ADVISORY

In March 2025 DPH issued a Measles Advisory regarding the spread of measles in the United States.

Be sure to check out the FAQ's of this Advisory which includes answers to questions like:

• Which providers can get state-supplied measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, and which patients can it be given to?
• Do I need a MMR vaccination? 
• If there is an outbreak in my area, can we vaccinate children younger than 12 months?
• Do any adults or children need “booster” doses of MMR vaccine to prevent measles?

MEASLES TALKING POINTS FOR PROVIDERS

• Measles is highly contagious - Up to 90% of the people close to the person, who are not immune, will also become infected. Measles can live for up to 2 hours in an airspace after an infected person leaves an area. Measles can spread to others up to 4 days before the rash appears.
• Measles can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children - Some people may suffer from severe measles complications, such as pneumonia (infection of the lungs) and encephalitis (swelling of the brain). They may need to be hospitalized and could die.
• Hospitalization - About 1 in 5 unvaccinated people in the U.S. who get measles is hospitalized.
• Pneumonia - As many as 1 out of every 20 children with measles gets pneumonia, the most common cause of death from measles in young children.
• Encephalitis - About 1 child out of every 1,000 who get measles will develop encephalitis (swelling of the brain). This can lead to convulsions and leave the child deaf or with an intellectual disability.
• Death - Nearly 1 to 3 of every 1,000 children who become infected with measles will die from respiratory and neurologic complications.
• Complications during pregnancy - Measles infection can cause pregnancy complications including preterm birth.
• MMR vaccine - The best way to protect against measles is with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
• MMR vaccine is safe and effective - MMR vaccine is the best tool we have against disease
• There is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism - Scientists in the United States and other countries have carefully studied the MMR vaccine and have found no link between MMR vaccine and autism.
• Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles - one dose is about 93% effective. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states: “Numerous studies conducted over many years in multiple countries have confirmed the safety and efficacy of the MMR vaccine. The vaccine's benefits in preventing measles, mumps, and rubella far outweigh the minimal risks associated with vaccination.”

IMMUNIZATION RECOMMENDATIONS

CDC states that two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles, and protection is long-lasting. One dose is about 93% effective. Schools, early childhood education providers, and healthcare providers should work to ensure patients are current with MMR vaccine. Official vaccination guidance concerning measles has not changed: providers should continue to follow the ACIP Immunization Schedules and associated guidance. Measles-specific vaccination recommendations from CDC are also available. 

MEASLES MISINFORMATION

Can vitamin A prevent or cure measles?

No, vitamin A does not prevent or cure measles. And it's important to know that too much vitamin A can cause serious health problems. See this video and this article, to learn why vitamin A and cod liver oil cannot prevent measles.

THE RISKS OF ALTERNATIVE IMMUNIZATION SCHEDULES

What Is the Harm in Delaying or Spacing out Vaccines? - Paul A. Offit, MD

Dr. Offit answers the common question from parents about changing the recommended vaccine schedule.

Watch or share this short video here.

TRAININGS AND WEBINARS

WEBINAR: Spring 2025 Measles Update

Date: May 1, 2025 - register here

Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

The Massachusetts Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics (MCAAP) and the Massachusetts Adult Immunization Coalition (MAIC) present the 2025 Vaccine Education Webinar Series.

Presenters:

Angela Fowler, MD, FAAP, Associate Medical Director for Vaccine Preventable Diseases,

Massachusetts Department of Public Health

John Snyder, MD, FAAP, Pediatrician, Amherst Pediatrics

WEBINAR: 2025 MDPH Immunization Updates - Registration is now open!

All webinars start at 12:00 pm and end at 1:00 pm (except Updates to the Adult and Childhood Schedule which is divided into 2 separate back to back sessions: 11:30 am -12:15 pm and 12:20 pm - 1:05 pm)



Date: May 7, 2025 - Immunization 101 - register here

Date: May 21, 2025 - Updates to the Adult and Childhood Immunization Schedule - register here

Date: May 28, 2025 - Epidemiology of Vaccine Preventable Disease in MA - register here

Date: June 4, 2025 - Understanding and Building Vaccine Confidence - register here

Date: June 11, 2025 - Massachusetts Immunization Information System - register here

Date: June 18, 2025 - VFC Compliance Get your VFC Certificate! - register here

MEASLES RESOURCES FOR PROVIDERS

• Measles Toolkit (AAP)

• Immunization Schedules (ACIP)



• Measles Complications (CDC - 30 sec. video)

MEASLES RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES

• How to Protect Your Children During a Measles Outbreak (AAP)

• Parenting Website - Measles Outbreak (AAP)

• Measles: What Parents Need to Know (Healthy Children.org)

OUR PARTNERS

Massachusetts Adult Immunization Coalition (MAIC)

Massachusetts Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics (MCAAP)

Massachusetts Department of Public Health Immunization Division