Tuesday, April 28, 2026
What this spring's outbreaks mean for your family
The CDC has confirmed nearly 1,800 measles cases across the U.S.
so far in 2026, with most patients being children who were unvaccinated or whose vaccine status was unknown.
The good news: two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective and remain the strongest protection.
Now is a good time to check your child's records and call your pediatrician with any questions.
Measles usually begins with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red watery eyes. A blotchy rash follows a few days later, starting on the face. Call your pediatrician before going in, so the office can prepare.
The standard MMR series is two doses: the first at 12-15 months, the second at 4-6 years. Two doses give about 97% protection against measles.
For international travel, the CDC recommends infants 6-11 months get one MMR dose at least two weeks before departure. They'll still need their two routine doses after their first birthday.
Call your pediatrician right away — don't head straight to the waiting room. Clinics will guide you on next steps to protect your child and other patients.
With outbreak-associated cases making up the vast majority of 2026 measles infections, proactive recall is high-yield. Run a registry query for patients overdue on MMR (especially 12-15 months, 4-6 years, and unvaccinated travelers) and send a short, reassuring message inviting them in. Post visible 'call before arriving' signage and refresh staff on the AAP 'Think Measles' triage workflow to protect waiting rooms.
Source: AAP Think Measles project and CDC 2026 outbreak data
