One dose (not counted as part of the regular schedule; another dose needed after 12 months)
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Measles is a highly contagious and sometimes life-threatening infectious disease. Over the past decade, there has been a resurgence of measles outbreaks in Europe, the United States, and Israel. The Ministry of Health recommends that travelers ensure they are vaccinated against the disease and continues to update its vaccination guidelines.
The Ministry of Health currently recommends checking the vaccination status of all family members and completing any missing doses. Children who have not yet received both vaccine doses (at ages 1 year and first grade), especially those living in areas with high morbidity or before traveling abroad, are advised to bring forward the administration of the second dose.
In addition, the Ministry of Health recommends that infants aged 6–11 months living in Jerusalem, Bnei Brak, and Beit Shemesh receive an additional MMR vaccine dose. This dose is not counted as part of the routine vaccination schedule but provides partial protection. An additional dose is required at 12 months of age and must be given at least 4 weeks after the early dose administered before age 1.
Measles (rubeola) is one of the most common infectious diseases in the world. The virus lives in the nose and throat of infected individuals and causes fever, rash, red eyes, and cough. Measles is highly contagious, spreading through the air and by contact with saliva droplets and body fluids (via coughing and sneezing), and can survive on surfaces for up to two hours. It is so contagious that 90% of unvaccinated people exposed to the virus will become infected.
There is a vaccine against measles that is considered 99% effective. In 2000, the World Health Organization declared measles eliminated from the United States. However, the rise of anti-vaccination movements has led to the return of diseases once considered eradicated. As of April 2025, there is a sharp rise in measles cases in the U.S., with global and local outbreaks, including in Israel.
Measles is a highly contagious childhood illness that causes a widespread rash. It is caused by an airborne virus and spreads through coughing, sneezing, sharing food or drinks, or being in the same room as an infected person.
Contagion begins four days before the rash appears and continues for four days after. The virus is most contagious before the rash is visible.
Symptoms usually appear 7–14 days after exposure. Initial symptoms resemble a severe cold: rising fever (which can exceed 39°C/102°F), runny nose, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, and sometimes swollen lymph nodes.
These symptoms fade as small red spots appear inside the mouth, followed by a full-body rash.
The rash begins along the hairline, spreads to the face and neck, and within two days covers the entire body, including hands and feet. The rash forms distinct patches that turn white when pressed. It fades in the order it appeared and may leave behind peeling skin.
The incubation period (time from exposure to symptoms) is 10–14 days.
If measles symptoms appear, it is essential to contact your clinic before arriving, to prevent exposing others.
The World Health Organization describes measles as "the most deadly rash-causing childhood illness."
Children under 5 and adults over 20 are at highest risk of life-threatening complications.
While most people recover within two weeks, measles can lead to complications such as pneumonia, middle ear infection, eye infections, liver inflammation, meningitis, brain swelling, and more.
Chronic Brain Inflammation (SSPE) - The most severe complication is SSPE (subacute sclerosing panencephalitis), a chronic brain inflammation that appears 7–13 years after infection. It is almost always fatal and leads to irreversible brain damage, cognitive decline, seizures, and more.
Although rare, the extreme contagiousness of measles means that even uncommon complications increase when case numbers rise.
There is no cure for measles, and antibiotics are ineffective. Supportive care at home, including fever reducers and pain relievers, is the most effective treatment. To avoid spreading the virus, contact with unvaccinated individuals and those with weakened immune systems should be minimized.
If exposed to measles, contact your medical center immediately. Preventive treatment (vaccination) may be recommended based on age and vaccination status. Post-exposure vaccination can prevent or lessen the disease if given within a specific time frame.
Active vaccination is most effective within 72 hours of exposure but may be given up to 6 days after.
Passive immunization (immunoglobulin) is effective within 6 days of exposure and is given to people who cannot receive the active vaccine, such as infants under six months, pregnant women, or severely immunocompromised individuals.
In these cases, passive immunization (immunoglobulin) is recommended, though it provides only short-term protection.
Vaccine type and eligibility are determined by the Ministry of Health's epidemiological team.
Vaccination is the best way to prevent measles and its complications. Immunity typically develops within two weeks after vaccination.
The vaccine is very safe, and side effects are typically mild, such as low-grade fever or a temporary rash 6–12 days after vaccination.
Anyone with medical documentation of a past measles infection confirmed clinically and in a lab and anyone with documentation of two vaccine doses given at least four weeks apart after the age of 12 months are considered to be fully vaccinated.
Most side effects are mild and resolve on their own:
Seek medical advice if your child appears unusually lethargic, has a persistent fever (over 48 hours), experiences seizures, shows unexplained bruising, or anything else causes concern.
One dose (not counted as part of the regular schedule; another dose needed after 12 months)
Ensure two doses, at least 4 weeks apart
Considered immune
If not previously infected, may need 1 or 2 doses depending on age and history
Pregnant women should not receive the MMR vaccine
Infants (6–12 months): MMR vaccine at Tipat Halav, free of charge if living in areas of high morbidity, or at travel clinic, if before overseas trip.
Children (1–6 years): MMRV vaccine at Tipat Halav, free of charge
Grades 1–9: School-based vaccination, free of charge
Grades 9–12 (unvaccinated): At the Ministry of Health clinics, free of charge
Ages 18+: Available for a fee at travel clinics or at Ministry of Health clinics
Anyone not born in Israel or lacking vaccination documentation should be referred to a travel clinic or health office. Consultations and vaccines at these locations may involve a fee.
