What To Know About Measles and the MMR Vaccine
Updated March 20, 2025
Measles is a serious, highly contagious respiratory infection that causes a rash, fever, and cough. Some people may suffer complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain) that can require hospitalization and may lead to death.
Cases of measles are currently on the rise around the country. While none have been reported in Chicago this year, we want to make sure our CPS community is protected from this very contagious disease. The best way to do this is by making sure you and your children are up to date on the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which provides lifelong protection against measles.
Most people will have gotten the MMR vaccine during childhood. But for those who have not, there are many opportunities to get the vaccine.
- CDPH Immunization Clinics. Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) immunization clinics provide vaccinations for children 0 through 18 at no out-of-pocket cost. CDPH serves uninsured, underinsured, Medicaid (Title XIX) insured, and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP; also known as Title XXI or state-funded) individuals. Click here for details on these 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.
- Local Healthcare Providers. Individuals with private insurance or Medicaid/Medicare can also receive vaccines at health care providers or local in-network pharmacies throughout the city. Visit vaccines.gov to find a vaccine provider or findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/ .
- CPS School-Based Health and Mobile Clinics. CPS offers vaccines like the MMR at our school-based health clinics, and through our elementary, high school, and charter mobile clinics. Please use these links to see availability, and to schedule an appointment for a vaccine. Some locations are even open during Spring Break. Vaccines through CPS are free for those who are uninsured, underinsured, or who have health insurance through Medicaid or Medicare. For those with private insurance, please contact the clinic for details on which insurance carriers they accept.
For more information about measles and other infectious diseases, please refer to the resources on the Chicago Department of Public Health’s website
COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance
CDC recommends the 2023–2024 updated COVID-19 vaccines, to protect against serious illness from COVID-19.
Everyone aged 5 years and older should get 1 dose of an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against serious illness from COVID-19.
Children aged 6 months–4 years need multiple doses of COVID-19 vaccines to be up to date, including at least 1 dose of updated COVID-19 vaccine.
People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may get additional doses of updated COVID-19 vaccine.
People aged 65 years and older who received 1 dose of any updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine should receive 1 additional dose of an updated COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months after the previous updated dose.
COVID-19 vaccine recommendations will be updated as needed. To learn more about COVID-19 vaccines visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.
To find vaccine opportunities, please use the resources below.
Required Vaccinations for CPS Students
Parents often have questions about the vaccines recommended for their children. You can find a list of required and recommended vaccines in the Minimum Health Requirements document [ ENGLISH | SPANISH ]. Parents can also view the CDC's guidance for a vaccine schedule for their children and themselves.
Your child’s doctor can answer any questions you might have about vaccines, including measles. If your child does not have a doctor, you can enroll them as a patient at one of our School-Based Health Centers.
Vaccination Opportunities
Families of children who are uninsured, underinsured, or get coverage through Medicaid should make an appointment through CPS.
Learn More About Vaccines