Measles Vaccine

About measles

Measles is a highly infectious disease caused by the morbillivirus. It is one of the most contagious illnesses; individuals who were not vaccinated have a 90% chance of contracting the disease when coming into contact with a sick person. There is no treatment for measles other than supportive care.

Measles symptoms include fever, sore throat, runny nose, cough, eye inflammation, and widespread rash. Measles complications include middle ear inflammation, diarrhea, and inflammation of the cornea. In extremely rare cases, pneumonia and brain inflammation may occur, leading to neurological damage. An exceptionally rare complication is a degenerative brain disease, which results in damage to the central nervous system, cognitive decline, and seizures. Infants up to the age of five face a higher risk of complications. One out of every 1,000 children who contract measles may not survive.

Impact of the measles vaccine in Israel: In the 1950s, thousands of people in Israel contracted measles every year. In 1967, the vaccine was added to the immunization schedule, and since then the number of cases has steadily declined. However, outbreaks still occur, usually linked to infected travelers from abroad and unvaccinated communities. In the most recent measles outbreak during 2018–2019, more than 4,200 people were infected.

Since April 2025, there has been an increase in measles cases in Israel, partly from infected travelers entering the country and partly from unknown sources. This increase developed into an active outbreak as the virus spread among people who were not vaccinated.

Catch-up vaccination: Due to the measles outbreak in Israel, the Ministry of Health, in cooperation with the HMOs and other providers, has opened centers where people can catch up with their measles shots.

If your child did not receive the first measles vaccine dose at age 1 at a family care center (Tipat Halav), and the second dose in 1st grade, it is important to complete the missing doses as soon as possible according to the immunization schedule for infants and children.

Note: Residents of communities with an active measles outbreak – It is recommended to give infants aged 6–11 months an early dose of the measles vaccine, as well as to anyone over 1 year old.

Learn more about measles and who should get catch-up vaccination

Where to get a measles catch-up vaccination

More about completing routine vaccinations

• Redness and pain where the shot was given and local swelling: local symptoms may appear up to 4 days from the vaccination. You can apply a clean cloth soaked in lukewarm water to the injection site and avoid massaging the area.
• Fever: temperature may rise within 3-7 days after vaccination. You can administer an analgesic to help relieve pain or reduce fever.
• Rash: it can appear up to 42 days after vaccination.
• Rare side effects: upper respiratory tract inflammation, runny nose, swollen lymph node and salivary gland, appetite loss, diarrhea, vomiting, drowsiness, weakness, crying, lack of sleep, irritation, testicle inflammation, and seizures. You can administer an analgesic to help relieve pain or reduce fever.

Further information on vaccine side effects

If your child experiences symptoms after getting vaccinated in school, please inform the school nurse or the school's preferred healthcare provider.

List of healthcare providers by district