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Measles

Measles is a disease caused by a highly contagious virus. People with measles spread the virus through the air when they cough, sneeze, or breathe. The best way to protect yourself from measles is through a two-dose MMR vaccine which is about 97% effective at preventing measles.

What is Measles?

Measles is a reportable disease in Oklahoma. Measles is a disease caused by a highly contagious virus. People with measles spread the virus through the air when they cough, sneeze, or breathe.

Protection against measles

Most people in the United States have a low-risk for contracting measles due to an effective vaccine. However, outbreaks still occur as unvaccinated travelers come back to the U.S. from places were measles is still common.  Anyone who has not been fully vaccinated or had measles before can get measles.

CDC considers you protected from measles if you have written documentation (records) showing at least one of the following:

  • You received two doses of measles-containing vaccine, and you are a(n)
    • school-aged child (grades K-12)
    • adult who will be in a setting that poses a high risk for measles transmission, including students at post-high school education institutions, healthcare personnel, and international travelers.
  • You received one dose of measles-containing vaccine, and you are a(n) —
    • preschool-aged child
    • adult who will not be in a high-risk setting for measles transmission.
  • A laboratory confirmed that you had measles at some point in your life.
  • A laboratory confirmed that you are immune to measles.
  • You were born before 1957.

How do I get a copy of my shot record?
Anyone needing a copy of their vaccination records can go online for a digital copy of their record or visit a THD Immunization Clinic for a printed copy of their record.

Please note: This applies to vaccines entered in the Oklahoma State Immunization Information System (OSIIS), and does not include all vaccines administered by pharmacies, federal and tribal entities.

Do I need a booster vaccine?
No. CDC considers people who received two doses of measles vaccine as children according to the U.S. vaccination schedule protected for life, and they do not ever need a booster dose.

If you’re not sure whether you are fully vaccinated, talk with your healthcare provider.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of measles include high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and rash. Koplik spots (tiny white spots inside the mouth) can appear 2 to 3 days after symptoms begin. Some people who become sick with measles also get a serious lung infection, such as pneumonia. Although severe cases are rare, measles can cause swelling of the brain and even death. Measles can be especially severe in infants and in people who are malnourished or who have weakened immune systems.

What to do if you have symptoms or have been exposed:

If you are concerned about having measles symptoms or exposure, immediately call your healthcare provider and let them know that you have been exposed to someone who has measles. Your healthcare provider can

  • determine if you are immune to measles based on your vaccination record, age, or laboratory evidence.
  • make special arrangements to evaluate you, if needed, without putting other patients and medical office staff at risk.

Schedule a Measles Vaccine

The measles vaccine is very effective. Two doses of measles vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles if exposed to the virus. One dose is about 93% effective.

Measles can be prevented with MMR vaccine. The vaccine provides protection against three diseases: measles, mumps and rubella.

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Central Regional Health Center

315 S. Utica, Tulsa, OK 74104-2203

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James O. Goodwin Health Center​

5051 S. 129th E. Ave., Tulsa, OK 74134

THD Tulsa Health Department North Regional Center

North Regional Health & Wellness Center​

5635 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Tulsa, OK 74126

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Sand Springs Health Center​

306 E. Broadway, Sand Springs, OK 74063

LOCATIONS

We have 10 locations across Tulsa County that offer a variety of services to help you and your family stay healthy.

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