Public Health urges residents to stay up to date with measles vaccines

*A young girl receives a bandage after getting vaccinated, highlighting the importance of routine childhood immunizations.*

Measles cases and outbreaks continue to increase throughout the United States in 2025, primarily affecting individuals who are unvaccinated or have an unknown history of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccination. As of May 9, 2025, there have been over 1,000 cases nationwide with three confirmed deaths–two of them in previously healthy children. In California, as of May 5, 2025, there have been 11 confirmed cases reported. In San Bernardino County, the last reported case was in January 2024 from an international traveler.

This recent surge in cases highlights the critical importance of vaccination in protecting individuals and communities from vaccine-preventable diseases like measles. Additionally, the County is seeing an increase in pertussis (whooping cough), another vaccine-preventable disease that can lead to severe health complications—please check with your doctor to see if you are due for the vaccine.

Key facts about measles and vaccination:

Maintaining high vaccination coverage is essential to prevent outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations. Measles is a preventable disease.
The MMR vaccine is safe, effective and provides long-lasting protection.
Two doses are recommended: one at 12 months of age, and another between 4-6 years of age.
For international travel, children as young as 6 months may need a dose before departure if traveling to regions where measles is common. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s measles webpage to learn more.
Unvaccinated individuals are at high risk; even a brief exposure can result in infection.

For frequently asked questions, please see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s measles webpage.

Why vaccination is important – Measles can cause serious health complications, including:

Pneumonia
Encephalitis (brain inflammation)
Hospitalization
And in some cases, death

These risks are especially high in young children, pregnant people and those who are unvaccinated.

Clarification of using Vitamin A when treating measles:

Vitamin A does not prevent measles infection.
It is not a substitute for the MMR vaccine.
Vitamin A is used as a treatment support, not for prevention.
It is administered to individuals who have already contracted measles, especially in settings where vitamin A deficiency is common.
It helps reduce complications such as eye damage and, in some populations, may help reduce measles related mortality.
Routine vitamin A supplementation is not recommended for the general population in the U.S., where deficiency is rare and controlled dosing is essential.

Vitamin A supplements do not prevent measles. Getting a measles vaccine is the most effective and safest way to prevent measles.

To support vaccination efforts, San Bernardino County Department of Public Health has partnered with schools and organizations throughout the county by providing free immunization events to update eligible school-aged children on missing vaccines.

To date, the county has conducted 228 events, vaccinating over 3,600 individuals with over 9,400 total doses.

Plan ahead this summer by scheduling a doctor’s visit and staying up to date on school-required vaccines. For a list of required vaccinations, visit the California Department of Public Health’s webpage.

For more information on vaccination services for school-aged children or to make an appointment, please visit MyTurn.ca.gov. If you do not have a primary care physician, you can receive immunizations at any of the county’s federally qualified health centers. To schedule an appointment for immunizations, call 800-722-4777. To learn more about measles prevention and symptoms, visit the Public Health measles webpage.

Additional County Update News – May 29, 2025