Preventing Measles: Myths and Facts

Measles cases are increasing globally and in the United States. This rise in cases, along with the fact that measles vaccination rates in the U.S. are the lowest they have been in decades, leaves communities at risk for measles outbreaks. 

Measles is more than just a rash. It is a highly contagious virus, even more so than the flu. Children with measles can develop life-threatening problems such as pneumonia and brain swelling. In the U.S., about 1 in 5 unvaccinated people who get measles need hospital care. This risk is higher in young children and people with weak immune systems.

People sometimes hesitate to get the vaccine due to things they have heard or read. Many of these “facts” about measles are myths. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine almost eliminated measles in the U.S., but cases have been rising recently.

These common myths and facts about measles can help explain why getting vaccines is important for everyone’s protection.  

Myths and facts about measles and the MMR vaccine

Myth: The vaccine causes autism. 
Fact: Studies have shown no link between vaccines and autism. Health care providers diagnose autism based on a child’s health history and behavior. Autism spectrum disorder is often first noticed in children between 18 and 30 months old, around the time they get some vaccines. This can make it seem like there is a connection—but there is not. Autism starts before a baby is born, even though symptoms may not appear until later.

Myth: The vaccine will make me sick.
Fact: Many studies have shown that the MMR vaccine is safe and works well. The vaccine’s benefits in preventing measles, mumps, and rubella are much greater than the small risks. Common side effects from the vaccine include a sore arm, mild rash, or fever. Getting measles, however, can be very serious. Before the vaccine, measles caused up to 500 deaths each year in the U.S. These deaths are now preventable with the vaccine.

Myth: Other people are vaccinated, so I don’t need to be.
Fact: Measles spreads very easily. To keep it from spreading, about 95% of people in a community need to be vaccinated. This means that almost everyone should get it. But in recent years, fewer people have gotten vaccinated, and measles outbreaks are happening again. High vaccination rates protect everyone in the community, especially children and those who can’t get a vaccine, such as infants and patients with cancer or other serious illnesses.

Myth: It’s too late for me to get the measles vaccine.
Fact: People born in the U.S. before 1957 usually do not need the MMR vaccine because they were likely exposed to measles as kids and are already immune. For people born in 1957 or later, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) says adults should get 2 doses of the MMR vaccine at least 4 weeks apart. It is safe to get the vaccine even if you are already immune. Children should get their first MMR dose at 12–15 months old and a second one at 4–6 years old, before they start school.

Myth: I wasn’t in contact with anyone with measles, so I wasn’t exposed.
Fact: Measles spreads very easily through the air. You do not have to be close to someone to catch it—you can get it just by being in the same room, even up to 2 hours after the sick person has left. People with measles can spread it 4 days before they get a rash, so they often do not know they are contagious. In areas with measles outbreaks, there is a good chance you could be around the virus without realizing it.

Myth: I think I already had the MMR vaccine, so I shouldn’t get another one.
Fact: You may still need a second dose. ACIP recommends that adults born in 1957 or later get 2 doses of the MMR vaccine, at least 4 weeks apart. It is safe to get the vaccine even if you are already immune to one or more of the viruses. For children, the CDC recommends 2 routine doses—the first at 12–15 months old, and the second at 4–6 years old, before starting school.

Myth: The vaccine isn’t effective.
Fact: Two doses are about 97% effective at preventing measles, providing long-term immunity. For the very few people that get measles after being vaccinated, the disease is mild, and they are less contagious.

Myth: I need to take supplements like vitamin A to prevent measles.
Fact: Vitamin A does not prevent measles. Only the MMR vaccine can do that. People should not use vitamin A to try to stop measles because high doses can be harmful. Too much vitamin A can cause problems like nausea, vomiting, headache, tiredness, joint and bone pain, blurry vision, skin and hair problems, increased pressure in the head, liver damage, confusion, and even coma. Vitamin A may be given to someone who has measles, but only in the right amount for their age and only for 2 days under the supervision of a health care provider. 

Myth: Measles is not as contagious as the flu or COVID-19.
Fact: Measles spreads more easily than the flu or COVID-19. It moves through the air from one person to another. You do not need to be close to someone to catch it. An unvaccinated person can get measles just by entering a room up to 2 hours after a sick person was there. If someone is not vaccinated, there is a very high chance—up to 9 in 10—that they will get measles if they are exposed. This shows how easily measles spreads.

Myth: I don’t have a rash right now, so I’m not contagious.
Fact: Measles is contagious starting 4 days before a rash appears, and often before you know that you have measles. 

Myth: I don’t need to wear a mask if I have measles. 
Fact: Measles spreads easily from person to person through the air when coughing, sneezing, talking, and breathing. If you have measles, you should wear a mask to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

Myth: I don’t have any record of my measles vaccine.
Fact: Most children, teens, and adults born in the U.S. in 1957 or later should have a record that they were vaccinated or are immune. Ask your primary care doctor for a copy of your vaccine records.   

Visit the Together by St. Jude™ online resource to learn more about measles and other infectious diseases.