BLOOMINGTON — Local public health officials are strongly encouraging Monroe County residents to ensure they are up to date on their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccinations following a sharp rise in national measles cases.
While no confirmed cases have been reported in Monroe County to date, Indiana has recorded five measles cases so far in 2026. Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that more than 2,900 cases have been confirmed nationwide this year, exceeding the 2,286 confirmed cases recorded during all of 2025.
Measles is a highly contagious, airborne viral infection that can cause severe health complications—particularly in young children, pregnant individuals, and people with compromised immune systems. Public health authorities emphasize that vaccination remains the single most effective defense against contracting and spreading the virus.
Vaccination Guidelines and Recommendations
The Monroe County Health Department urges all residents to review their personal immunization records and follow these guidelines:
- Unvaccinated Individuals: Anyone who has never received an MMR vaccine should schedule an appointment to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
- Vaccinations Received Between 1962 and 1968: Individuals who were vaccinated during these years may have received an inactivated (killed) measles vaccine, which is no longer considered fully effective. These individuals should consult their primary healthcare provider regarding a revaccination or a blood test (titer) to check immunity levels.
- Insufficient Titer Test Results: Anyone whose blood test shows insufficient immunity to measles, mumps, or rubella should receive an updated MMR vaccine.
Most individuals born after 1957 who received two properly spaced doses of the MMR vaccine are considered protected for life and do not require a booster. The CDC recommends that children receive their first MMR dose between 12 and 15 months of age, followed by a second dose between ages 4 and 6.
Indiana School Exclusion Policy
Public health officials also remind parents of the state’s mandatory exclusion protocols. Per the Indiana Department of Health, if a confirmed case of measles occurs in a school or childcare facility, all unvaccinated children will be excluded from attending school and participating in school-sponsored activities for 21 days following their last known exposure.
Because measles spreads rapidly in areas with low vaccination rates, maintaining high community immunity protects vulnerable individuals who cannot be vaccinated for medical or age-related reasons.
Residents needing to schedule an MMR vaccination appointment can contact the Morgan County Public Health Clinic in Martinsville at 765-342-6621.
