What To Know About Measles and the MMR Vaccine
Updated March 13, 2024
Measles is a serious, contagious respiratory infection that causes a rash, fever, and cough and some people may suffer complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain) that can require hospitalization and may lead to death. Fortunately, the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (MMR) is highly effective and remains the best protection against measles. More than 90 percent of all Chicagoans are vaccinated against measles, one of the highest vaccination rates in the country against measles. MMR is also a required vaccine for CPS students.
Doctors recommend that most children get the first dose of the MMR vaccine at the age of 12 to 15 months, and a second dose at 4 to 6 years of age, according to the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH). It's not too late to provide your child with 1 dose of MMR. One dose of MMR vaccine is 93% effective against measles
The MMR vaccine is available at most doctor’s offices and pharmacies. Illinois children as young as 10 years-old can get vaccinated at pharmacies under Illinois law.
CDPH Immunization clinics provide MMR vaccine for no out-of-pocket cost to any child 0–18 years and uninsured adults ages 19 and older. CPS offers School-Required Vaccinations like measles, and other recommended vaccines like flu and Covid-19, at its school-based health clinics, and through its elementary, high school, and charter mobile clinics. Locations vary weekly.
For more information about measles and other infectious diseases, please refer to the resources on the Chicago Department of Public Health’s website.
COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance
CDC recommends the 2023–2024 updated COVID-19 vaccines, to protect against serious illness from COVID-19.
Everyone aged 5 years and older should get 1 dose of an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against serious illness from COVID-19.
Children aged 6 months–4 years need multiple doses of COVID-19 vaccines to be up to date, including at least 1 dose of updated COVID-19 vaccine.
People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may get additional doses of updated COVID-19 vaccine.
People aged 65 years and older who received 1 dose of any updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine should receive 1 additional dose of an updated COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months after the previous updated dose.
COVID-19 vaccine recommendations will be updated as needed. To learn more about COVID-19 vaccines visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.
To find vaccine opportunities, please use the resources below.
Required Vaccinations for CPS Students
Parents often have questions about the vaccines recommended for their children. You can find a list of required and recommended vaccines in the Minimum Health Requirements document [ ENGLISH | SPANISH ]. Parents can also view the CDC's guidance for a vaccine schedule for their children and themselves.
Your child’s doctor can answer any questions you might have about vaccines, including measles. If your child does not have a doctor, you can enroll them as a patient at one of our School-Based Health Centers.
Vaccination Opportunities
Families of children who are uninsured, underinsured, or get coverage through Medicaid should make an appointment through CPS.
Learn More About Vaccines