With five confirmed measles cases in Lancaster County as of Feb. 12, the Allegheny County Health Department and Pennsylvania Department of Health are reminding people to check their immunization records to make sure they’re up to date with their vaccines.

These are the first cases to be identified in Pennsylvania for 2026, and were determined by the state Department of Health as being individuals who were not vaccinated. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 97% of the measles cases in the United States are people who are not vaccinated, or their vaccination status is unknown. Nationally, In January 2026 alone, 662 measles cases were reported.

The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the most effective way to prevent measles and is available on campus. Pitt students can go to Student Health Services and anyone over 8 years of age can go to the Pitt Vaccination and Health Connection Hub.

Pitt Health Sciences put together answers to some pressing questions people might have about measles and the vaccine.

What do people need to know about measles and the MMR vaccine?

Measles is so contagious that if one person has it, up to 90% of nonimmune people close to the infected person will be infected, according to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. Infected people can spread measles to others from four days before through four days after the rash appears.

The virus spreads through the air and can live in an enclosed airspace for up to two hours. That means that if you or a loved one are in the same space as someone with the virus, and you’re unvaccinated, there is a good chance that you will contract the illness.

Measles generally causes high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a rash, but can cause serious complications like pneumonia, inflammation in the brain and permanent disability. Young children and immunocompromised people are the highest risk, but as many as one out of every 500 people infected with measles will die.

The MMR vaccine is safe and effective against measles, mumps and rubella. One dose of MMR vaccine is 93% effective against measles, and two doses is 97% effective.

Is the MMR vaccine accessible? Where?

• The MMR vaccine is easily accessible at primary care clinics that treat children. In addition, the Pitt Vaccination and Health Connection Hub in Oakland can provide MMR vaccines to children over the age of 8, including under or uninsured children ages 8 to 17.

• Pitt students, including those who are under or uninsured, can get information and care through Student Health Services.

• Catch up vaccinations are available for anyone who has not been fully vaccinated. Anyone over the age of 8 who would like to get up to date with the vaccination can come to the Hub. Any uninsured patient can go to the Allegheny County Health Department or find a nearby Federally Qualified Health Center.

Who might need an MMR vaccine?

• Children should receive their first dose between 12 and 15 months old and their second dose between age 4 and 6.

• If you have been exposed to someone with a diagnosis of measles, you should be evaluated within 72 hours after initial exposure to see if you should get a dose of MMR vaccine. Vaccination after exposure might provide some protection against infection or lessen the severity of the disease.

Who may need additional MMR vaccine dose(s):

• People who were born between 1958 and 1968 may have received a non-live, ineffective vaccine product for one or both doses of MMR. These people should check their documentation to determine if they should receive any additional doses of live MMR vaccine.

• People who were born between 1963 and 1989 may have only received one dose of MMR vaccine since that was the recommendation at that time. There were “catch-up” efforts made to give people additional doses after 1990, but people should check their documentation to determine if they should receive any additional doses of live MMR vaccine.

Who does not need an additional MMR vaccine?

People who have any of the following are presumed to have adequate immunity against measles and do not need any doses of measles vaccine. 

• Documentation of vaccination with two doses of a live MMR vaccine

• Laboratory evidence of immunity (blood titers) 

• Born before 1957 

Where can people check their vaccine history?

If you’re not sure of your vaccine history, check with your primary care physician or make an appointment at Student Health Services or at the Hub. You also can request your records through the Pennsylvania Department of Health.