When can infants get the measles vaccine? What a UNC Health doctor recommends
The current measles outbreak is spreading rapidly as health officials urge parents to get their children vaccinated.
As of Thursday, April 10, there were 712 confirmed cases of measles in 25 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (For comparison, there were 93 cases reported in February.)
“With the growing outbreak in other parts of the country, it would be wishful thinking to think we won’t be affected,” Dr. David Wohl an infectious diseases expert with UNC Health, told The Charlotte Observer. “Measles is one of the most contagious viruses that affects humans.”
Measles can spread through contact with an infected person or with contaminated air droplets, and the virus can live in an airspace for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area, according to the CDC.
The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best line of defense against the virus, Wohl said.
When should infants get the measles vaccine?
Most children should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine — one at age 12-15 months and another at age 4-6 years, according to the CDC.
“We do not recommended MMR for infants under a year of age,” Wohl said, adding that there are special considerations for those in areas where there are currently outbreaks or who are traveling internationally.
People who are “highly immunocompromised,” such as children undergoing chemotherapy, may not be eligible for the vaccine, since it contains the live virus, Wohl said.
Where to get the measles vaccine in NC
You can visit any of the following places for MMR vaccines in NC:
▪ Pharmacies: Walk in or schedule appointments at pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens. You can also inquire with local neighborhood pharmacies.
▪ Grocery and big box stores with pharmacies: Walk in or schedule appointments at stores like Walmart, Target, Harris Teeter and Publix.
▪ Your healthcare provider: Of course, you can contact your doctor for an appointment.
This story was originally published April 15, 2025 at 3:29 PM with the headline "When can infants get the measles vaccine? What a UNC Health doctor recommends."
