Measles

While measles cases are getting under control, it is always beneficial 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!

MMR vaccines are available at all Walgreens, CVS, and Walmart locations within Berkshire County. Links to their websites can be found directly below to schedule vaccine appointments. Calling ahead to confirm MMR vaccines are currently stocked is strongly advised. High demand can lead to temporary shortages spanning a few days at any given time. You can also call your primary care provider or your child’s pediatrician to schedule a vaccination appointment. The Public Health Nurse for your local Board of Health may also be able to assist in getting an MMR vaccine if you do not have insurance or are otherwise unable to get a vaccine through your provider or a pharmacy.

To contact the Public Health Nurse call the number below for the municipality in which you live:

If you live in Pittsfield: call the Pittsfield Health Department at 413-449-9411.

If you live in Great Barrington, Lenox, Lee, Stockbridge, New Marlborough, Sandisfield, Alford, Mt. Washington, Sheffield, Monterey, Otis, or Tyringham call the South Berkshire Public Health Collaborative at 413-243-5540, x109 or option 2.

If you live in Becket, Egremont, West Stockbridge, Richmond, Hancock, Lanesborough, New Ashford, Williamstown, North Adams, Adams, Savoy, Clarksburg, Florida, Cheshire, Windsor, Peru, Washington, Hinsdale, or Dalton call the Berkshire Public Health Alliance at 413-442-1521, x 52

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.

For Everybody:

  1. MA DPH Measles Fact Sheet

  2. Flow Chart to Determine if You Should Receive an MMR Dose

  3. Information for Travelers

  4. OSHA: General Guidance for Workers and Employers

  5. Measles Cases and Outbreaks (CDC) - Updated every Friday

For Schools:

  1. 105 CMR 220: Immunization of Students Before Admission to School

  2. Information for Schools and Childcare Programs

  3. Vaccine Preventable Disease Exclusion Guidelines in School Settings - Download

  4. Materials for Conducting a School Immunization Survey

  5. MA School Health Manual

For Medical Professionals:

  1. Guide to Surveillance, Reporting and Control

  2. Clinical Overview of Measles (CDC)

  3. Measles Vaccination Recommendations (CDC)