Are measles vaccination rates in NC high enough to prevent an outbreak?

As measles ravages through the U.S., North Carolina doctors are urging residents to stay up to date on their vaccinations as they prepare for an outbreak.

The first measles cases reported this year in North Carolina came last month, when the virus was detected in a child in Forsyth County, The News & Observer reported. No other cases have been identified since then.

With uptake rates lower for the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine in some parts of the state than in others, it’s just a matter of time before an outbreak occurs, Dr. David Wohl, an infectious disease expert at UNC Health, told The Charlotte Observer.

Here’s what to know about the state’s vaccination rate, whether it’s high enough to prevent a measles outbreak and whether you need a shot.

NC measles vaccination rate

Data was not available for all North Carolina residents, but the MMR vaccination rate for kindergartners was 93.8% for the 2023-2024 school year, according to the most recent data available from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS).

That’s below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity, NCDHHS says, also noting that vaccination rates are even lower in some counties and schools.

For example, nearly 98% of kindergarten students in Richmond County are up to date on their vaccinations, while just 88% of students in Lincoln County are up to date, according to NCDHHS data.

Vaccination rates for kindergarteners in Mecklenburg, Wake and Durham counties are relatively high, at 90.5%, 92.3% and 91.5%, respectively.

Are vaccination rates high enough to prevent an outbreak?

Not likely. North Carolina’s vaccination rate is relatively high compared to other states, but vaccination coverage is not even throughout the state, Wohl said.

He explained that, if 95% of the people in a community are vaccinated, an infection would be less likely to spread than in a community with a lower vaccination rate.

“Once you start getting in the low 90s, believe it or not, because of how catchy this is, it makes a big difference,” he added.

“It’s a little bit like forest fires, right? Like you can have an amber in a forest, but it’s not going to do anything unless there’s enough kindling.

“If you have a school where the MMR rate is only 80-something percent and measles enters into that school system, or the kids in that community, that’s a forest fire waiting to happen.”

How effective is the measles vaccine?

The MMR vaccine is the best line of defense against the virus, Wohl said.

Two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective against protecting against measles, and one dose is 93% effective, according to Wohl.

“This stuff has been around for decades,” Wohl said, referring to the vaccine. “We have loads of data on this, so we know this.”

Who should 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, The Charlotte Observer previously reported.

NCDHHS advises adults who are not vaccinated or unsure of their status to consult with their healthcare providers before getting a vaccine.

People born before 1957 likely already have immunity to the virus, but getting another vaccine wouldn’t hurt, Wohl said.

The vaccine is not recommended for children under a year of age or people who are “highly immunocompromised,” such as those going through chemotherapy, Wohl previously told the Observer.

Should you get a second round of vaccines?

It depends. For most people, one round of the MMR vaccine (either one or two doses) will provide sufficient protection against measles, Wohl said.

However, those who work in certain settings with at-risk groups, such as healthcare workers and teachers, should consider getting a second round of vaccines.

“If I was working in a high school or grade school, I would make sure I had two MMRs,” said Wohl.

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 July 22, 2025 at 2:49 PM with the headline "Are measles vaccination rates in NC high enough to prevent an outbreak?."

Evan Moore

The Charlotte Observer

Evan Moore is a service journalism reporter for the Charlotte Observer. He grew up in Denver, North Carolina, where he previously worked as a reporter for the Denver Citizen, and is a UNC Charlotte graduate.