Wisconsin Immunization Program

Measles Vaccination Guide

Vaccine recommendations for children

• Children: two doses, 1st at 12-15 months of age, 2nd between 4-6 years of age.
• Given as MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella).
• Contact your health care provider or local public health department.
• Two doses normally provide lifelong immunity.
• Adults who have never had the measles vaccine can still get immunized (see below).

School Requirements

• State law requires MMR vaccine for students in:

- Daycare: 1 dose
- Grades K-12: 2 doses
- College: No requirement

• History of school requirements

- Single dose required by law in Wisconsin: 1982
- Second dose required by law in Wisconsin: 1990

Vaccine recommendations for adults

• People born before 1957 are probably immune to measles by having acquired the disease naturally.
• For most adults born in or after 1957, we are recommending one dose. Only those who work in healthcare, who attend colleges/universities or who travel internationally need two doses.
• People who are not sure about their measles disease or vaccine history and are concerned about being exposed to measles should be vaccinated.

Other vaccine information

• MMR vaccine takes effect after 2-3 weeks.
• Two doses are expected to provide lifelong immunity for >99% who receive it.

Last Revised: February 24, 2011