The best way to protect yourself and your children against measles is vaccination.
The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which includes two doses, is safe and is 97% effective in preventing measles.
Measles is no joke – it is one of the most contagious viruses on Earth. It spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes into the air and then others breathe in the virus or touch an infected surface then touch their eyes, mouth or nose. The measles virus can persist in the air or on surfaces for as long as two hours after the infected person has left the area.
Measles can lead to severe complications including pneumonia and encephalitis, or brain swelling. It can be fatal, especially for young children and immunocompromised individuals. And, it can cause long-term health issues, including “immune amnesia,” where the immune systems of infected patients “forget” previously acquired immunity to other pathogens, leaving those individuals susceptible to a variety of other infections for months or even years.
There have been no cases of measles in Monroe County since 2019.
The Centers for Disease Control recommends that children get two doses of MMR, with the first dose at 12 to 15 months of age and the second dose at 4 to 6 years of age.
According to state data, as of Jan. 1, 2025, the MMR vaccination rate for the county is 87.4%. This rate is calculated based on data of children ages 24 to 35 months that received 1 MMR immunization before their second birthday.
NYS DOH - MMR Vaccination Rates
All children in New York attending day care and pre-K through 12th grade are required to be vaccinated against measles and other diseases in order to attend or remain in school unless they have a valid medical exemption. Unlike some other states, New York does not allow for any nonmedical exemptions to school vaccine requirements.
This state dataset, the school immunization survey, shows that in the 2023-2024 school year, approximately 99.7% of children attending public, private and parochial schools in Monroe County were vaccinated against measles.
View School Immunization Survey
The Monroe County Department of Public Health continues to encourage all parents to get their children vaccinated.
Adults who are concerned whether they are up to date on their MMR vaccinations should consult with their health care provider.
Here is a link to a health advisory and PSA released today by the state Department of Health encouraging parents to get their children vaccinated:
Health Advisory from NYS DOH & NYC Dept of Health:
