Choosing to get the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine is the ONLY way to prevent you and your child from getting measles! Read on to find out who should get vaccinated and where to go. 

Who should get a measles vaccine? 

Anyone not immune to measles or who falls into one of the following categories is due for an MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine dose:

Children

  • Between 12-15 months old – 1st routine dose
  • Between 4-6 years old – 2nd (and last) routine dose
  • Over 6 years old and hasn’t had 2 routine doses.

Adults

  • Born after 1957 and haven’t been vaccinated.
  • Vaccinated between 1963 and 1968 but received the inactivated vaccine (<5% of vaccinated adults) or aren’t sure which vaccine type you received.
  • Received only one dose and are at high risk for exposure (a health care worker, traveling internationally, a student in a higher education program) or live with someone who has a weakened immune system.

Get vaccinated before you travel

Make sure you and your family are vaccinated against measles before traveling anywhere outside of the U.S. or to an area in the U.S. that has a measles outbreak. If you’re not vaccinated, get a vaccine dose at least 2 weeks before your trip:

  • Infants between 6-12 months old – get an early 1st dose (they’ll still get their 2 routine doses as a toddler)
  • Children at least 1 years old with 0 or 1 vaccine dose – get a vaccine dose now
  • Adults with 1 vaccine dose but who don’t have test results that show they’re immune to measles – get a vaccine dose now

MMR vaccines should be given at least 28 days apart from each other.

If you’ve already received two routine vaccine doses, you don’t need any more, even if you were exposed to measles since the MMR vaccines provide lifelong protection.

Do I need a vaccine if I’m exposed to measles?

You may be able to get a measles vaccine to prevent developing measles if:

  • It’s been less than 3 days since you were exposed to measles AND
  • You haven’t received 2 routine MMR vaccine doses

If this describes you or your child, contact your healthcare provider or child’s pediatrician right away.

How effective is the vaccine?

The MMR vaccine provides lifelong protection and is:

  • 93% effective with 1 dose
  • 97% effective with 2 doses

However, unvaccinated people are at high risk:

  • 9 out of 10 unvaccinated people who are exposed will get measles.
  • The most vulnerable are babies under 1 year old, unvaccinated children, unvaccinated pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems.

Where to get a free measles vaccine

You can get a free MMR vaccine in Philadelphia at these City Health Centers, Monday through Friday, from 9am to 1pm:

  • Health Center 3 – 555 S. 43rd St. | 215-685-7504
  • Health Center 4 – 4400 Haverford Ave. | 215-685-7601
  • Health Center 5 Annex – 2001 W. Berks St. | 215-685-2933
  • Mattie L. Humphrey Health Center (Health Center 9) – 131 E. Chelten Ave. | 215-685-5701
  • Strawberry Mansion Health Center – 2840 W. Dauphin St. | 215-685-2401

No insurance? No problem. These clinics provide free vaccines for everyone.

Kids and adults can also get vaccinated at their provider’s or pediatrician’s office or a retail pharmacy (call the pharmacy for minimum age requirements).

Measles is highly contagious, but completely preventable with vaccination.

Additional Resources

What’s happening with measles in and around Philadelphia?

Frequently asked questions about measles

Flyers (available in multiple languages):

 

Learn more about measles.