With measles outbreaks in nearby states, messages urge families to protect children by getting MMR vaccine
This afternoon, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will send text messages and email notifications to families of more than 101,000 children aged 12 months through 18 years whose records in the Colorado Immunization Information System show their child/children may be overdue for their first measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
“Measles is highly contagious and can cause very serious health complications,” said Dr. Rachel Herlihy, state epidemiologist, CDPHE. “With significant measles outbreaks currently impacting Texas and New Mexico, in addition to the rise of cases both globally and across the United States, it is crucial to ensure our Colorado communities are protected through vaccination.”
Large measles outbreaks are currently occurring throughout the country, including 309 cases in Texas and 42 cases in New Mexico. In less than three months, the U.S. has already surpassed the total number of measles cases in all of 2024. In 2024, there were 285 measles cases across 32 states, nearly five times the 59 measles cases reported in 2023.
The text messages will come from 45778 and read:
From CDPHE: According to our records, your child/children (1-18 yrs) may be overdue for their first measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The MMR vaccine is the best way to protect your child from measles. Large measles outbreaks are currently occurring throughout the U.S., including in nearby states.
Measles is a serious disease that spreads easily, hanging in the air for up to 2 hrs. If one person has it, 9 out of 10 unvaccinated people around them will get measles. The MMR vaccine greatly reduces the chance of getting measles, which can cause serious and long-lasting health problems. Contact a vaccine provider today: cdphe.colorado.gov/find-no-cost-vaccine-provider.
You can exempt your child/children from school-required vaccines. More info: cdphe.colorado.gov/vaccine-exemptions
Emails will come from cdphe.vaccine.registry@state.co.us and read:
Dear parent(s) and/or guardian(s),
According to state public health records, your child/children aged 12 months through 18 years may be overdue for their first measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The MMR vaccine is the best protection against measles.
Large measles outbreaks are currently occurring throughout the country, including in nearby states. Measles is more than a rash. It’s a serious respiratory illness that can lead to severe complications, including hearing loss, brain damage, and even death. Measles spreads easily. It can hang around in the air for up to two hours and stays on surfaces, too. If one person has it, nine out of 10 people who are unprotected around them will get measles. A person can spread measles to others even before they show symptoms.
The MMR vaccine is the best way to protect your child from measles. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97 percent effective against measles. The MMR vaccine has been included in the U.S. routine childhood immunization schedule since the early 1990s, and measles vaccines have been routinely recommended since the early 1960s. With the concerning rise of measles cases across the U.S., now is the time to make sure your child is protected.
The MMR vaccine is easy to get. You can find it for low or no cost at doctor’s offices, community health centers, pharmacies, public health clinics, and some schools. Contact a health care provider or your local public health agency to make an appointment and learn more about which additional vaccine(s) might be recommended.
If your child/children are already up to date with their MMR vaccine, let us know by filling out this Google form. Be sure to attach a copy of their vaccine record. We are standing by to update their vaccination record in our Colorado Immunization Information System and will notify you by email when it has been updated.
You can exempt your child/children from school-required vaccines. For more information, visit cdphe.colorado.gov/vaccine-exemptions.
You can access the immunization record for yourself or your child from the online Colorado Immunization Information System self-serve portal. For more information, including step-by-step directions on how to use the portal, visit cdphe.colorado.gov/immunization/for-the-public/get-a-copy-of-your-records.
Most health insurance plans, including Medicaid and CHP+, cover the cost of routine childhood vaccines, so you don’t have to pay anything at providers that accept your health plan. Even if you don’t have any health insurance, you can get recommended vaccines for free at one of nearly 600 vaccine providers statewide.
