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Measles Vaccine

Diseases
Vaccines
15 June 2026

About

Measles is an infectious disease caused by the Measles morbillivirus and is one of the most contagious diseases.

Symptoms include high fever, sore throat, runny nose, cough, conjunctivitis, and a rash all over the body. Complications can include middle ear infection, diarrhea, corneal inflammation, pneumonia, and brain inflammation that can cause neurological damage. A very rare complication that can occur years after measles is a degenerative brain disease that affects the central nervous system. One in every 1,000 children who develop measles may die from the disease.

Vaccine

The measles vaccine is given as part of the measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine, which also includes vaccines against mumps, rubella, and chickenpox, as part of the immunization schedule for infants and children. In most cases, two doses of the vaccine provide lifelong protection against measles.

Short-term side effects may occur within a day or two after vaccination. Most are mild and go away on their own. Side effects vary depending on the vaccine formulation used. After the MMRV vaccine, common side effects include redness, pain, or swelling at the injection site, fever, and sometimes a mild, non-contagious rash. After the MMR vaccine, fever and irritability may also occur 5 to 12 days after vaccination. In rare cases, febrile seizures or a temporary decrease in platelet count may occur.

Immunization Schedule for Infants and Children

Where to Get a Catch-Up Measles Vaccination

Vaccination schedule

  • 1 year
  • First Grade
Full Schedule

Measles outbreak – updated Ministry of Health guidance

Measles outbreak – updated Ministry of Health guidance

An earlier second dose is given in routine vaccinations; it is recommended to give earlier vaccine doses in outbreak areas and before international travel.

Learn more

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.

More info about measles

About the vaccine

The vaccine is given as part of the measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine, which also includes vaccines against mumps, rubella, and chickenpox, as part of the immunization schedule for infants and children.

The measles vaccine is usually given as part of the MMRV vaccine, which also includes vaccines against mumps, rubella, and chickenpox. In certain situations, the MMR vaccine, which does not include the chickenpox component, can be given. Side effects may vary slightly depending on the vaccine formulation used.

You can consult a family care center (Tipat Halav) nurse about the appropriate vaccine formulation.

Immunization Schedule for Infants and Children

Vaccine composition How the vaccine is given
Live attenuated measles viruses
  • 6 months and 12 months of age: injection in the thigh
  • 12 months and older: injection in the arm

How Long It Takes for Protection to Develop After Vaccination

The vaccine does not provide full, immediate protection. After vaccination, the body begins to produce antibodies, and full protection usually develops within about two to three weeks. Therefore, if you are planning to travel to an area where measles is spreading, it is recommended to get vaccinated at least two weeks before departure.

If you have been exposed to someone with measles: You may be able to get vaccinated within 72 hours of exposure to try to reduce the risk of developing measles or make the illness milder. If you have been exposed and are not sure whether you are vaccinated, contact a doctor as soon as possible.

Impact of the Vaccine in Israel: In the 1950s, thousands of people in Israel developed 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, originating from people who arrive from abroad and from unvaccinated populations. During the most recent measles outbreak in 2018–2019, more than 4,200 people became ill.

Starting in April 2025, there was an increase in measles cases in Israel, partly due to people who arrived from abroad while sick and partly from an unknown source. The increase later developed into an active measles outbreak as a result of transmission among people who had not been vaccinated against the virus.

If your child has not received both doses of the measles vaccine – it is important to complete the missing vaccinations as soon as possible according to the immunization schedule for infants and children.

If you live in a community where an active measles outbreak has been declared – it is recommended that infants ages 6–11 months and people over age 1 receive the measles vaccine earlier than scheduled.

More about measles and who needs catch-up vaccination

Where to Get a Catch-Up Measles Vaccination

More information about catch-up vaccinations

Duration of Protection

In most cases, after receiving two doses of the vaccine, protection against measles lasts a lifetime.

Possible Side Effects After Vaccination and How to Relieve Them

Side effects may occur after vaccination. Most are mild and go away on their own within a day or two. Side effects may vary depending on the vaccine formulation used.

Common Side Effects:

  • Redness, pain, or swelling at the injection site: You can place a clean cloth soaked in lukewarm water on the area for relief.
  • Temporary joint pain and stiffness: More common among adolescent girls and adult women. You can give a medication to relieve pain and make sure to get plenty of rest.

Side Effects That May Occur:

  • Fever and irritability: May occur 5 to 12 days after vaccination and usually go away without treatment within a few days.

Rare Side Effects:

  • Febrile seizures: If this is the first seizure the person has ever had, seek immediate care at an emergency department. Febrile seizures are usually not dangerous and do not cause long-term effects.
  • Temporary decrease in the number of platelets in the blood: If bruising or unusual bleeding occurs, it is important to seek medical attention promptly.
  • Severe allergic reaction: If difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or tongue, or another severe reaction occurs, call Magen David Adom (MDA) immediately at 101 and go to an emergency department.

More information about possible side effects of vaccines

When to seek medical attention at an HMO or urgent care center after the vaccination

  • If your child seems unusually tired or unresponsive.
  • If your child has a fever that lasts more than 24–48 hours.
  • If changes in your child's appetite or eating habits last more than 24–48 hours.
  • If your child has a seizure. Seizures are usually associated with fever, but it is important to seek medical attention. If this is the first seizure the person has ever had, seek immediate care at an emergency department.
  • If your child has unexplained bruising or unusual bleeding.
  • If your child has any symptom or reaction that concerns you.

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

 

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