CHICAGO - As of March 14, a total of 301 measles cases were reported in 2025 across 15 jurisdictions in the United States, including two deaths, the first U.S. measles deaths in over a decade. To date, no case of measles has been identified in Chicago or Illinois in 2025.

Measles is highly contagious; if one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not immune. It can also cause severe disease, long-term complications, and—in rare cases—death. The best protection against measles is the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which provides long-lasting protection.

In early 2024, after the first measles cases in Chicago in five years, the city experienced a large outbreak of the disease, with 64 individuals testing positive. Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), in collaboration with many healthcare and community partners, mobilized a rapid response which included mass vaccination, symptom screening residents, detailed contact tracing, and isolation of people with suspected or confirmed measles. Over the following three months, more than 30,000 doses of MMR vaccine were administered to Chicago residents. A CDPH report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) projected the chance of a large (100 or more cases) outbreak in Chicago was likely substantially reduced through the city's rapid intervention.

All Chicagoans are encouraged to review their immunization records or contact their healthcare provider to make sure they are up to date on MMR vaccine. Immunization records recorded in the Illinois immunization registry can be accessed using the Illinois Department of Public Health Vax Verify portal. Progress has been made to improve MMR vaccine coverage among Chicago school-aged children during the 2024-25 year, though coverage rates in the city and nationwide are still below pre-pandemic levels.

MMR is part of the routine vaccination schedule for children. One dose of the immunization is required for daycare and preschool/pre-K attendance in Illinois, and two doses (separated by at least 28 days) are required for K-12 school attendance. Two doses of MMR vaccine are 97% effective against measles. As measles is circulating in the U.S., Chicago residents traveling internationally or to domestic locations with measles outbreaks should ensure full protection with MMR prior to travel: infants (six months to 12 months old) should receive one shot, and anyone older than 12 months should receive two shots for full protection before traveling.

CDPH offers MMR vaccinations at no cost for children eligible for the Vaccines For Children program at CDPH Immunization Clinics throughout the city. CDPH is working closely with Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and other partners to ensure children are up to date with vaccinations and are protected. CPS continues to communicate with families to provide all students with information on vaccination options.

For those with private insurance or Medicaid/Medicare:

• Visit your healthcare provider or a local in-network pharmacy. It is recommended that individuals call ahead to ensure their provider or pharmacy has doses available prior to scheduling an appointment.
• Anyone unsure which providers are in-network should call their health insurance company before getting vaccinated to avoid out-of-network charges.
• Visit vaccines.gov or vacunas.gov (Spanish) to find a vaccine provider.
• Be sure to bring your insurance card, as the provider will need to submit a claim to the insurer.

For those who are uninsured or under-insured:

• Visit one of the four CDPH Immunization Clinics. Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is highly encouraged. Create an account and register for an appointment at getvaxchi.chicago.gov or by calling the clinic.

Other healthcare options include:

• Connect students to comprehensive health care at local School-based Health Centers.
• Those looking for additional medical support beyond immunization, visit a Federally Qualified Health Center. Findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov will direct you to services near you.

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