Measles Outbreaks and Flu Vaccine Season

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Vaccine News

Measles outbreaks

Reports of measles continue to surface throughout the United States and the world. Here’s what you need to know about measles disease, the MMR vaccine, and considerations for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals during an outbreak.

Who might need to be vaccinated during a measles outbreak?

In this video, Dr. Offit discusses measles, the recent outbreaks, and different measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine considerations for certain populations.

Measles is one of the most contagious viruses known. The virus contained in an infected person’s sneeze or cough can hang in the air for a couple of hours after the person has left the area. The good news is that the measles vaccine, part of the MMR vaccine, is safe and effective. Because of the recent outbreaks, we wanted to provide an easy way to access our measles- and MMR-related resources.

Get more information

"Vaccinated or Unvaccinated: What You Should Know"

Check out this printable Q&A to learn why some people may not be immunized and what to consider, whether your child is vaccinated or not.

Flu vaccine season

As classrooms again fill with eager students and temperatures begin to fall, we are reminded that it is time to make sure everyone in the family gets a flu vaccine. Since it takes two weeks to develop immunity following vaccination, it is good to get vaccinated before influenza is detected in your community.

Check your knowledge of influenza and have some fun with these trivia questions. For more trivia, check out the online game, Just the Vax.

Here are some resources in case you have questions:

Materials in this section are updated as new information and vaccines become available. The Vaccine Education Center staff regularly reviews materials for accuracy.

You should not consider the information in this site to be specific, professional medical advice for your personal health or for your family's personal health. You should not use it to replace any relationship with a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. For medical concerns, including decisions about vaccinations, medications and other treatments, you should always consult your physician or, in serious cases, seek immediate assistance from emergency personnel.