You may have heard about the measles outbreak happening in West Texas—as of February 21, 2025, there are many confirmed cases across several states, with 16 hospitalizations and two deaths. Most cases are among unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status.

Since measles is highly contagious, there’s a possibility of cases spreading to Colorado, especially as we are a common Spring Break location. As of the 2023–24 school year, Colorado's statewide MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccination rate for kindergarteners is 88%, which is below the 95% threshold recommended for community immunity. Vaccination rates vary across the state, with some school districts reporting MMR immunization rates as low as 59.4% among K-12 students. Vaccination statistics can be accessed through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's database, if you are interested in knowing your school district’s rate click here.  

What to Know About Measles…
Measles isn’t just a rash—it’s a serious viral infection that spreads when someone coughs or sneezes. The virus can stay in the air for up to two hours, making it super easy to catch. Symptoms show up 7-14 days after exposure and may include:

✔ High fever
✔ Cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes or spots in side the mouth (Koplik spots)
✔ A red rash that starts on the face and spreads downward.

It can also lead to complications like pneumonia or brain swelling (encephalitis)—especially for young kids, unvaccinated individuals, and people with weakened immune systems.

How to Protect Yourself & Your Family
The MMR vaccine is the best defense against measles—it's 97% effective after two doses! If you aren’t vaccinated and you or your child is exposed, the best option is to get a booster within 72 hours. There are no treatments once you are infected, only supportive care and hoping your immune system can handle it naturally. See the image above about who needs a booster. It varies!

💉 Kids: First dose at 12-15 months, second at 4-6 years. Early vaccination is possible in the setting of an outbreak or international travel after 6 months of age but two additional vaccines per the routine guidelines will still be necessary.
💉 Adults: recommendations vary based on age and immunization history.  
💉 Adults: Not sure about your immunity and want to check? The cost of MMR “titers” to check your immunity by a blood draw is $65 with our DOPC membership discounts.
💉 The cost of a booster at DOPC is $112 if your insurance doesn’t cover it or if you use our DOPC membership discounts.