How serious is measles?
Measles is more than a rash. It can cause lifelong problems like hearing loss and brain damage. In the United States in 2024, it put 40% of infected people in the hospital. In the most serious cases, it can lead to respiratory failure and death.
Is measles still a thing?
Measles used to be almost gone from the United States, but it is making a return because fewer people are getting vaccinated. In 2025, large measles outbreaks are occurring around the country. In 2024, the U.S. recorded 16 measles outbreaks and 285 cases, compared to four outbreaks and 59 cases in 2023. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine offers your best defense against measles. There’s never been a better time to join the hundreds of thousands of Colorado parents making sure their children are Mightier Than Measles with vaccines.
How easy does measles spread?
Measles is extremely contagious, spreading easily to unvaccinated people. Measles can hang in the air inside for up to two hours and stays on surfaces, too. If one person has it, nine out of 10 people who are unprotected around them will get measles.
Keep your child safe with routine vaccines.
Have questions about vaccines your child needs?
Talk with your health care provider or pharmacist to see what’s best for your child. They can also tell you if you or your child is due for any other routine childhood vaccines, like those for polio and whooping cough, to keep them healthy.
Important facts for your family about measles
Fact:
Measles can disrupt life for everyone. If there is a measles outbreak at school or child care, kids who are unprotected may have to stay home for at least 21 days. This can be a big hassle for families, disrupting learning and keeping parents home from work.
Fact:
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine works extremely well and is the best way to protect kids from measles. Two doses of the vaccine are 97% effective at preventing measles. The vaccine has been given to billions of kids around the world since the 1960s. In fact, 94% of Colorado school children have received the MMR vaccine.
Fact:
Vaccines don’t just keep us safe. They help prevent diseases from spreading to others in our communities. This includes people who are most at risk, like babies too young to be vaccinated, anyone who is pregnant, and older adults. MMR is one of many routine childhood vaccines that have been used for decades to control serious diseases so they are not a major threat. To keep measles out of Colorado, it’s important for families to get themselves and their children vaccinated.
Fact:
Vaccines are affordable and widely available. You can get routine childhood vaccines at doctor's offices, community health centers, pharmacies, public health clinics, and some schools. Health First Colorado (Medicaid), Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+), and most private health insurers cover the cost of vaccines, so you don't have to pay anything at providers that accept your health plan. Even without health insurance, you can get recommended vaccines for no or low cost at locations statewide.
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