In response to an increase of measles cases locally and nationally, Cook County Health is reminding residents about the importance of measles vaccinations.

The measles vaccine is safe and highly effective.

The vaccine has been used for more than 50 years and two doses are 97% effective at preventing measles. Everyone ages one year old and older can and should get vaccinated.

To learn more about the measles vaccine, visit the CDC’s website.

If you have not gotten your measles vaccine, please get vaccinated today. To get vaccinated at a Cook County Health location, call 833-308-1988 to make an appointment.

For individuals who were exposed to measles or have measles symptoms:

Please call your health care provider before going to a doctor’s office or hospital. This will ensure they can take proper precautions to care for you while preventing exposure to staff or other patients.

About Measles

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease that spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. Measles is so contagious that if one person has it, 90 percent of the people close to that person who are not immune or vaccinated will also become infected with the measles virus. Complications from measles can lead to pneumonia, seizures, hearing loss, life-long brain damage and death.  

The virus can linger in a room for up to two hours and can be especially dangerous for babies and young children, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems. 

Measles Symptoms

Measles symptoms appear up to 21 days following exposure. Symptoms of measles include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. The rash usually begins on the face and spreads to the trunk. A person is generally contagious for the four days before and the four days after the onset of a rash.  

Check Your Vaccination History

The CDC recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine for lifelong protection. If unsure, you can check your vaccine history.

Immunization records recorded in the Illinois immunization registry can be accessed using the Illinois Department of Public Health Vax Verify portal.  To access vaccine records from another state, visit the CDC’s website for links.

If you were vaccinated before 1968, check with your healthcare provider about a revaccination. A blood test can confirm if you still have immunity. Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re unsure. 

More Resources

Learn more about measles and download fact sheets in multiple languages at these sites:

Cook County Department of Public Health

Chicago Department of Public Health

US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

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