BLOOMINGTON—While there are currently no reported measles cases in Monroe County, the Monroe County Health Department strongly encourages MMR vaccination for Monroe County residents following Wednesday’s announcement of six confirmed measles cases in Allen County involving four unvaccinated children and two adults whose vaccination status is unknown.
Measles is a highly contagious disease that can lead to serious complications, especially in young children, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems. The most effective protection against measles is the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine.
The Monroe County Health Department urges all residents to check their vaccination status and take the following steps:
- Get vaccinated if you have never received the MMR vaccine.
- If you were vaccinated between 1962 and 1968, you may have received an inactivated measles vaccine that is no longer fully effective. Please consult with your healthcare provider about revaccination or titer testing.
- You should receive the MMR vaccine if your titer testing indicates insufficient immunity to measles, mumps, or rubella.
Most people born after 1957 who received two doses of the MMR vaccine are protected for life and do not need a booster.
The MMR vaccine is safe and effective; vaccination appointments can be scheduled at the Monroe County Public Health Clinic at 333 East Miller Drive in Bloomington by calling 812-353-3244 (for ages 12 months+).
The Monroe County Health Department will host an MMR vaccination clinic at the Ellettsville Branch of the Monroe County Public Library on April 21, 2025, from 12-6 p.m. in Meeting Room B.
Measles can spread quickly when introduced to an area with pockets of unvaccinated individuals.
Vaccination protects not only you and your family but also those in our community who cannot be vaccinated due to age or medical reasons.
School Exclusion Policy in Indiana
Per the Indiana Department of Health, if a case of measles occurs in your child’s school or daycare, unvaccinated children must stay home from school and all school-related activities for 21 days after their last known exposure to the infected person. The CDC recommends children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, one at age 12-15 months and another at age 4-6 years.
