ATLANTA – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced updated vaccination recommendations on Tuesday in response to measles outbreaks affecting multiple U.S. states, marking the most significant revision to immunization guidelines in over a decade.
The new guidance recommends that adults without documented measles immunity receive the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, particularly those planning to travel domestically or internationally. Health officials reported 847 confirmed measles cases across 15 states in 2025 so far, representing a 340% increase compared to the same period last year.
“We are facing the most serious measles resurgence in the United States since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000,” said CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen during a press briefing. “These updated guidelines are essential to protecting public health and preventing further community transmission.”
The outbreaks have been concentrated in areas with lower vaccination rates, particularly affecting children under five and unvaccinated adults. Public health experts attribute the resurgence to declining vaccination rates, pandemic-related disruptions to routine immunizations, and increasing vaccine hesitancy fueled by misinformation on social media.
The updated guidelines specify that children should receive their first MMR dose between 12-15 months and a second dose between 4-6 years of age. The CDC now also recommends early vaccination for infants aged 6-11 months who will be traveling internationally or living in outbreak-affected communities.
“Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known to medical science,” explained Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “One infected person can transmit the virus to up to 18 others in an unvaccinated population. The only way to prevent outbreaks is through high vaccination coverage.”
Several states have reported school closures due to measles outbreaks, affecting thousands of students. In Texas, where 127 cases have been confirmed, state health officials have implemented emergency vaccination campaigns targeting underserved communities.
The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly endorsed the updated guidelines, urging parents to ensure their children are up-to-date on all routine vaccinations. The organization emphasized that the MMR vaccine has an excellent safety record, with serious side effects being extremely rare.
Health insurance providers have been directed to cover MMR vaccinations without cost-sharing under the Affordable Care Act’s preventive care requirements. The CDC is also working with state and local health departments to expand vaccine access through community clinics and mobile vaccination units.
“Measles is entirely preventable through vaccination,” Dr. Cohen emphasized. “These outbreaks represent a failure to maintain the vaccination coverage levels necessary for community protection. We urge all Americans to check their vaccination status and consult with healthcare providers.”
Source: CDC / American Medical Association
