For Schools and Community

Measles is more than just a rash. We all have a role to play in protecting against measles, a debilitating and highly contagious disease.  

4/7/2025: Many students, school employees and families are preparing for Spring Break in April. Anyone with travel plans should make sure they are protected against measles infection with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. If you are unsure about your measles vaccination status, talk to your doctor or healthcare provider. 

Measles is easily spread in school settings - buses, classrooms, sports and activities, lunchrooms. Extended absences among school staff and students because of measles exposure or illness are disruptive and something we are all working to avoid. 

If a measles exposure happens within a classroom, sports or school bus setting, people who do not have the protection of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine will be at high risk of infection and illness.

Fortunately, New York State requires MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine for PK-12 school entry and attendance. This means that there is a low likelihood that a measles exposure in a school setting would lead to large numbers of measles cases among students. That is the power of community immunity - also called herd immunity.

Individuals who are not measles immune are at risk of developing measles disease.

What schools can do to protect their community:

• Follow NYSDOH regulations around vaccines for school entrance and attendance.
• Encourage school employees, visitors, parents and vendors to know their measles immunity status.
• Encourage parents and employees with questions to talk to their doctor about their risks for measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Connect families who need help accessing MMR vaccine with local pharmacies or their local department of health.
• Promote good school hygiene practices - regular hand washing and staying home and away from others when sick. 

Resources for School Nurses and Medical Directors

4/2/2025: NYSDOH issued a travel advisory for all New Yorkers due to measles outbreaks in the U.S. and abroad - including Canada

3/19/2025: ECDOH letter to PK-12 school administrators

Resource	Image
NYSDOH: Recognizing Measles (PDF) - outlines symptoms and what to do if you suspect measles.
NYSDOH: Measles review for providers (video, 2024)
NYSDOH: MMR vaccination rates by county and ZIP code
ECDOH: Keep your family safe; know your measles immunity status (printable poster)
HealthyChildren.org - the American Academy of Pediatrics Measles- what parents need to know How to protect children during a measles outbreak A pediatrician remembers measles Vaccine protection - how healthy is your community?