The U.S. has now logged nearly 1,800 measles cases in 2026, with a long-running outbreak along the Utah-Arizona border passing 600 cases. Almost all sick children have been unvaccinated. The AAP and CDC both still recommend two MMR doses on the same schedule pediatricians have used for years, and that protection holds up: two doses are about 97% effective at preventing measles.
Thursday, April 30, 2026Vaccines
Measles Cases Keep Climbing — Here's Why MMR Still Matters
What families should know as outbreaks continue across multiple states
The Teddy Editorial Desk · Grounded in AAP & CDC guidance
In Brief
The Briefing
Schedule
When Kids Get the MMR Vaccine
The standard schedule is one dose between 12 and 15 months and a second dose between ages 4 and 6. Both doses give the strongest, longest protection.
Travel
Traveling Soon? Babies Can Get MMR Early
If your family is traveling internationally or to an area with an active outbreak, infants as young as 6 months can get an early MMR dose. They will still need their regular two doses later.
Symptoms
What Measles Looks Like
Measles usually starts with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A blotchy red rash follows a few days later, often starting on the face. Call your clinic before going in if you suspect measles.
Guidance
AAP Sticks With the Familiar Schedule
Even after recent federal changes, the American Academy of Pediatrics is keeping its 2026 routine vaccine recommendations the same. Twelve major medical groups have endorsed the AAP schedule.
Tips
Catching Up on Missed Shots
If your child fell behind during a busy year or a move, there is no need to start over. Pediatricians use catch-up schedules to safely get kids back on track.
Questions
What Parents Are Asking
For the Clinic
Clinic Takeaway
National Infant Immunization Week just wrapped, but the work continues. Use your immunization registry to flag patients overdue for MMR or with a single dose only, and send a brief, reassuring outreach message this week. Consider a triage script that asks about rash, fever, and recent travel before patients enter the waiting room — early identification protects unvaccinated infants and immunocompromised patients in your practice.
Source: AAP Red Book and CDC measles clinical guidance
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