The Larimer County Department of Health and Environment (LCDHE) is raising awareness about the importance of MMR vaccination due to measles outbreaks globally and in surrounding states. While there are no current cases of measles in Larimer County, the county’s Medical Officer, Dr. Paul Mayer, urges residents to check their MMR vaccine status now.

Measles is an extremely contagious and potentially severe disease. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after a person with measles has left the area. It is more than just a rash - it can cause serious problems like hearing loss, brain damage, and even death. The good news is that measles is preventable.

The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and highly effective, providing long-lasting protection. Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective in preventing measles, but even one dose offers a high level of protection. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and the community. The measles vaccine has saved over 93 million lives worldwide in the last fifty years, however, Colorado is among the five least immunized states in the United States for measles. In Larimer County, some schools and childcares have nearly 100% of children vaccinated and protected, but other schools still have an opportunity to increase protection as we start to see cases of measles in Colorado. 

“If you or your children are due for their MMR vaccines, don’t delay. Now is the time to get caught up,” urges Mayer. “Sometimes children miss a scheduled vaccination or delay a shot, but they can always catch-up and maximize their protection.”

People who have had the MMR vaccine or were born before 1957 are considered protected from measles. If you or your children are not vaccinated or are unsure, talk to your doctor about getting the MMR vaccine. The health department provides vaccines at low or no cost to those without health insurance, children who are American Indian or Alaska native, and children and adults who have Medicaid or Health First Colorado.

“If one person has measles, nine out of 10 people who are unprotected around them will get measles, too,” says Matt Bauer, the health department’s Communicable Disease and Emergency Preparedness and Response Manager. “LCDHE is prepared to respond quickly to measles cases or outbreaks in Larimer County.  If a case is identified, LCDHE will investigate and work to contain the spread of the disease,” Bauer says.

LCDHE advises residents and parents to talk with their healthcare providers about the MMR vaccine. For information and local updates, visit www.larimer.gov/measles. The public may also email the health department at measles@larimer.gov.