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How Long Does the Measles Vaccine Last? What to Know About Measles in 2026

Jan. 20, 2026

After a surge of measles in 2025 with 2,242 confirmed measles cases in the United States, measles circulation remains high in 2026.

This year, there have been 171 confirmed cases of measles in through January 15, 2026. Many of the cases originated from an ongoing outbreak in South Carolina. Although only a few cases have been reported in New York, the time to stay informed and protected is now.

Most infections occur in unvaccinated individuals, but what about those who’ve been vaccinated? Here’s what you need to know about MMR vaccine effectiveness, symptoms to watch for, and how to keep your family safe.

How Long Does the Measles Vaccine Last?

The measles vaccine is very effective, with two doses of the vaccine being about 97% effective at preventing the disease if you are exposed to the virus.

Most people vaccinated with both measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) doses are protected for life. Even if a vaccinated person does get measles, symptoms are usually much milder, and they’re less likely to spread it to others.

Vaccination protects more than just you—it helps prevent the virus from spreading to newborns, people undergoing cancer treatment, and others who can't be vaccinated.

Who may need another MMR dose?

Adults born between 1963–1967 may need a modernized vaccine.

Here’s how you can help:

Make sure your family’s vaccinations are up to date

Know your vaccine status—ask your healthcare provider

Encourage others to get vaccinated

Measles Vaccine Effectiveness

Before vaccines, nearly every child in the U.S. got measles. Today, the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is incredibly effective:

1 dose = 93% protection

2 doses = 97% protection

Should Infants Get the Measles Vaccine?

Infants traveling to an area with active circulation of measles (including to an area with an active outbreak in this country or internationally) can be vaccinated before travel if they are between 6 to 11 months of age. However, infants vaccinated prior to 12 months of age will still need 2 more MMR doses after their first birthday.

Why are there Measles Outbreaks?

Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads easily through the air. A single infected person can infect up to 90% of non-immune people around them. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your community.

“In a population that is not vaccinated, one person can infect another 12 to 18 people. That’s about a 90 percent attack rate and is honestly incredibly scary,” said Jennifer Nayak, MD, associate professor of pediatric infectious diseases with UR Medicine.

Unfortunately, only 88% of children in Monroe County are vaccinated by age two, falling short of the 95% needed for herd immunity.

Measles Symptoms to Watch for

Measles can be severe—even deadly—especially for young children and people with weakened immune systems. Classic measles symptoms include:

High fever

Cough and runny nose

Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)

Rash that starts at the hairline and spreads down

Measles can also lead to complications such as:

Ear infections

Pneumonia

Rare but fatal brain inflammation occurring either shortly following infection or even years afterwards

How Does Measles Spread?

Measles is an airborne virus, meaning it spreads through tiny droplets in the air when someone coughs or sneezes. You can catch it just by being in the same room as an infected person, even long after they’ve left.

“Measles can stay in the air and the room for up to two hours,” said Dr. Nayak. “That means if you’re going shopping an hour behind someone with measles, you can still potentially get infected. That’s why we’re scared of the contagiousness.”

People with measles are contagious for about four days before the rash appears and four days after. That means they can spread the virus even before they know they’re sick.

What To Do If You Suspect Measles

If you or someone you know has symptoms, it’s essential to act quickly.

If you or your child has symptoms like fever and rash, call your doctor before going to any clinic. This allows your provider to deliver care to you in the safest way possible, helping prevent the virus from spreading further, including to infants and others who are unable to be vaccinated.

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