Health · Public Health & Disease · 2 hrs ago
Measles cases rise as experts explain who may need another vaccine dose
More than 4,000 measles cases have been reported in the United States this year, the highest number in 35 years.
Pennsylvania has reported more than 1,000 cases and five deaths, while New York state has declared a measles emergency.
Falling vaccination rates have left some communities more vulnerable to the highly contagious disease.
Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine are 97% effective.
People born before 1957 are generally presumed immune because measles was widespread before vaccines became available.
People born after 1957 who were vaccinated before 1968 may have received an earlier, less effective vaccine, and those with only one dose may have less protection than people with two.
If you are unsure about your vaccination history, experts say to talk with a doctor about whether you need one or two doses.
More than 4,000 measles cases have been reported nationwide this year, the highest number in 35 years.
Experts say whether someone may need another measles vaccine dose depends on their age, vaccination history and risk.
Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine are 97% effective.
People born before 1957 are presumed immune, while some people vaccinated before 1968 may need an additional dose.
Pennsylvania has reported more than 1,000 cases and five deaths.
- Who
- People unsure of their measles immunity, including those with only one vaccine dose, may need advice about another dose.
- What
- Experts explain who may need another dose of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine amid rising measles cases.
- When
- The article was published October 12, 2026. It says more than 4,000 cases have been reported nationwide this year.
- Where
- The United States, with Pennsylvania cited as a state experiencing a surge.
- Why
- Vaccination rates have fallen, leaving more communities vulnerable to measles.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
If Pennsylvania can see it spread that fast, that can happen in any state that has low immunization rates.
The measles vaccine is safe. It's highly effective, and it confers lifelong immunity.
It was thought that pretty much everyone in the U.S. was infected with measles as sort of a rite of passage in childhood.
Kids need the higher protection because they tend to be at higher risk of exposure, since they're oftentimes in group settings like schools and daycares.
Pennsylvania had 12 measles cases.
Public health officials changed the recommendation for children from one MMR dose to two doses.
More than 4,000 measles cases have been reported nationwide.
Pennsylvania had more than 1,000 cases, with more than 100 cases per week.
- Nationwide cases
- More than 4,000 this year
- Pennsylvania cases
- Over 1,000
- Pennsylvania weekly cases
- More than 100
- Pennsylvania deaths
- 5
- Two-dose MMR effectiveness
- 97%
- Single-dose MMR effectiveness
- 93%
Sources
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