Get Vaccinated Berkshires

GetVaccinatedBerkshires is a collaborative effort of the Berkshire Vaccine Collaborative. This website is intended to be a “one stop shop” for vaccine-related information and clinic sign-ups.

Measles

As cases of measles continue to rise across the country, the time is now to consider how to protect yourself, your family and your community.  Measles is highly contagious and can spread easily.  When a person who is sick with measles coughs or sneezes, the virus gets into the air where it can stay for up to two hours.  Anyone who is not immune can get measles if they are exposed.  Measles is a serious disease that can make people very ill, especially young children. Complications include pneumonia, encephalitis, miscarriage, preterm birth, blindness, deafness, hospitalization, and death. Vaccination is the best way to prevent measles.

Are you immune to measles?

You are considered immune, and therefore highly unlikely to contract measles, if:

• You were born before 1957

• Have a written record of 1 or 2 doses of measles-containing vaccine, or a written record of having had measles

• Have a laboratory test showing you are immune

If you are not sure about your immunity, talk to your health care provider, especially if you were born between 1957 and 1968.

If you are a student, or if you work in a healthcare or school environment, two vaccines are required to be considered immune.

If you are not immune, get vaccinated!

More information on who should get vaccinated can be found on the “what vaccinations should I get” page and more information on where to get an MMR locally can be found on the “where can I get a vaccination” page.

Please click here for a measles fact sheet. If you are planning to travel or have recently returned from traveling, please click here for guidance. For general guidance for workers and employers, please click here.