Measles Outbreak and MMR Vaccine

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has identified 12 cases of international travel-related measles in unvaccinated children since June 2022. Currently, measles cases in Minnesota account for over half of all U.S. cases.

• MMR coverage rates declined in Minnesota during the pandemic and have yet to return to pre-pandemic levels of protection. Therefore, we have more children susceptible to measles at this time.
• Consider measles in patients presenting with clinically compatible symptoms.
• Be alert to symptoms of measles disease in those returning from international travel or patients who have been in contact with persons recently returning from international travel.
• Assess MMR status of your patients and vaccinate susceptible persons according to routine MMR recommendations. Do not assume older children are up to date.
• If traveling internationally, follow CDC’s Measles (Rubeola) for Healthcare Providers vaccine recommendations for international travelers:
  • Infants 6 through 11 months of age should receive one dose of MMR vaccine.
  • Children 12 months of age and older should have documentation of two doses of MMR vaccine (first dose should be administered at age 12 months or older; second dose no earlier than 28 days after the first).
  • Those born during or after 1957 without evidence of immunity against measles should have documentation of two doses of MMR vaccine, with the second dose administered no earlier than 28 days after the first dose
• Contact the Minnesota Immunization Information Connection (MIIC) to get help recalling overdue patients at miichelp@state.mn.us. A program to text clients is available free of charge to MN providers, as well as other Client Follow Up features in MIIC.
• Even if families have refused in the past, offer MMR and counsel on the high risk of measles when traveling.

For more information visit Measles Information For Health Professionals.

MMR vaccine ordering

MMR vaccine is available for ordering through the MnVFC program for MnVFC-eligible children. You can order MMR vaccine as needed through MIIC. You do not need to wait until your monthly vaccine order to request additional MMR vaccine. Thank you for your continued partnership in vaccinating MnVFC-eligible children. If you have questions, contact the MnVFC program at 651-201-5522 or health.mnvfc@state.mn.us.

A printable version of this information is available on MnVFC Announcements.