Public Health Institute at Denver Health Website

Large measles outbreaks are occurring throughout the United States, including in states bordering or close to Colorado. With many families traveling for spring break, it's crucial to ensure you and your family are protected. Coloradans who have not received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine or are not already immune should get vaccinated against this highly contagious disease.

Why the concern?
Measles is more than a rash. It's a serious respiratory illness that can lead to severe complications, including hearing loss, brain damage, and in serious cases, death. Measles spreads easily. It can remain in the air for up to two hours and stays on surfaces, too. If one person has it, nine out of 10 people who are unprotected around them will get measles. A person can spread measles to others even before they show symptoms.

The best protection: MMR vaccine
The MMR vaccine works extremely well and is your best protection against measles. It is highly effective, providing about 93% protection after one dose and about 97% protection after two doses. The MMR vaccine has been included in the U.S. routine childhood vaccination schedule since the early 1990s, and measles vaccines have been routinely recommended since the early 1960s. CDPHE recommends that all children and adults who aren't already immune get vaccinated.

Call 303-602-3520 to make an appointment with our Immunization Clinic to get vaccinated!

No matter who you are, understanding the risks that influenza (flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) pose is key to staying healthy. Each year, millions of people get sick, and thousands need hospital care or die from respiratory infections caused by viruses. Vaccines help prevent these outcomes or lessen their severity, and are a safer, more dependable way to build immunity than catching a virus to build immunity. You can lower your risk of getting sick with a respiratory infection by staying up to date with influenza (flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines as needed.

Are you at higher risk for severe illness?

You are considered high risk for a severe case of flu or COVID-19 if you: Are 65 years or older, pregnant, have certain medical conditions such as obesity, asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, or have a weakened immune system.

You are considered high risk for severe RSV if you: Are 75 years or older, or age 60–74 and live in a long-term care facility or have certain medical conditions such as: diabetes, heart disease, obesity or kidney disease.

Vaccines help you risk less and do more. Call 303-602-3520 to make an appointment with our Immunization Clinic to get vaccinated!

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Are you at higher risk for severe illness?