Measles Vaccines
Definition of Measles: Measles, also known as rubeola, is a highly contagious virus and can be potentially fatal to children. This virus belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family, specifically Morbillivirus. Currently, Measles is known to have 24 genotypes, with the common ones being D8 and B3. This causes red, blotchy rashes that first appear on the face and ears, and then spread across the body.
Definition of Measles Vaccine: Measles formally comes in two rounds of vaccination that will typically protect the individual for life. These two types are called: MMR & MMRV.
MMR ( measles, mumps, and rubella ) contains:
A combination of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines
MMRV ( measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella ) contains:
A combination of measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccines
Both of these vaccines can be given at the same time as other vaccines.
History: Measles was first recorded in the 9th century (over 1,000 years ago), by a Persian doctor and has been around ever since. Due to this virus being highly contagious, it can spread over continents very quickly and has become one of the most widespread viruses in history. This outbreak has slowed down over the years due to the creation of the measles vaccine. Currently, in the United States, measles is not a common virus because of the required and sometimes optional vaccination of children. This led the United States to consider measles as eliminated within the country's borders in 2000. However, this doesn’t mean mesles is gone. In 2023, measles affected 10.3 million people, commonly in Africa and Asia.
Why getting vaccinated is important
Keeps children from missing school
To promote herd immunity
Limits the ability to carry the virus when traveling internationally
Important for overall health and diet
It could be the difference between life and death
What’s going on now?
Now listen, we previously stated that in the United States, measles is considered eliminated, which is true. No lies were told. But…a small outbreak has started again in certain areas. Pulled from the CDC, there have been around 800 confirmed measles cases in 25 jurisdictions. This is possibly due to declining vaccination rates, increased global measles activity, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a disruption in immunization.
Developments in Vaccines
Due to the recent rise in measles cases, researchers have been looking for innovative ways to aid in vaccines. Microneedle patches (MNPs) are a relatively new approach to overcoming immunization barriers in low/middle-income areas for both the measles and rubella vaccines. Although this method is still in the trial phases, it is still considered one of the most promising new vaccination efforts for this virus, It is important to note that during the trial phase, some of the participants, ranging from infants to adults, experienced discoloration at the application site and mild reactions. No severe related reactions.
Did you know?
Two doses of the MMR vaccine in childhood are about 97% effective at preventing measles.
Work Cited
Adigweme, Ikechukwu, et al. “A Measles and Rubella Vaccine Microneedle Patch in The Gambia: A Phase 1/2, Double-Blind, Double-Dummy, Randomised, Active-Controlled, Age de-Escalation Trial.” The Lancet, vol. 403, no. 10439, May 2024, pp. 1879–92, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(24)00532-4.
CDC. “Measles Cases and Outbreaks.” Measles (Rubeola), 17 Apr. 2025, https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/index.html.
---. “Measles Vaccination.” Measles (Rubeola), 15 Apr. 2025, https://www.cdc.gov/measles/vaccines/index.html.
“Measles - Symptoms & Causes.” Mayo Clinic, 23 Apr. 2025, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/measles/symptoms-causes/syc-20374857.
“NCBI.” WWW Error Blocked Diagnostic, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK8461/. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Shmerling, MD Robert H. “Measles Is Making a Comeback: Can We Stop It?” Harvard Health, 6 Mar. 2025, https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/measles-is-making-a-comeback-can-we-stop-it-202503063091.
