Declines in measles vaccination rates have resulted in outbreaks of measles around the world, according to the CDC (Measles Cases and Outbreaks | CDC). 

Measles is a very easily spread respiratory virus. A single person sick with measles can infect up to 12-18 people.

Everyone aged 12 months and older should get at least 2 doses of the MMR vaccine, at least 28 days apart, to prevent the spread of measles.

In Albany County, as of February 2024, percentage of children who have received at least 1 measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine dose by 2 years of age is only 83.5%.

When more than 95% of people in a community are vaccinated, most people are protected through herd immunity. Herd immunity refers to enough people being immune to a disease that the infection can’t spread from one person to another. This protects those who cannot get vaccinated, such as newborn babies, those who are too sick to be vaccinated, and the elderly.