Measles is still common in many parts of the world, including countries in Europe, Asia, the Pacific, and Africa. The United States has also seen a high number of measles cases. The majority of people who get measles are unvaccinated.

Measles is highly contagious, causing high fever and rash all over the body. Infection can be serious and more severe in young infants, pregnant women who are not immune to measles, and persons with a weak immune system. 

Complications may include:

  • Ear infection
  • Diarrhea
  • Pneumonia
  • Brain inflammation
  • Death

The measles vaccine is very effective and safe, with the benefits far outweighing any risks. Children should receive their first dose of MMR vaccine routinely at 12 months of age and their second dose between ages 4 and 6 years. 

Adults without documentation of either prior measles vaccination or an immunity to measles should contact their healthcare provider to ask about a blood test to see if they are immune or for vaccination information. There is no harm in receiving additional doses of MMR vaccine. 

You should contact your healthcare provider to check your vaccination status before international travel.

You can get more information about measles and vaccination online. Health providers can order posters and other related material.

Get more information and resources about measles and vaccination.

Get posters and other materials if you’re a health provider.

There is an ongoing measles outbreak in the Orthodox Jewish communities in Brooklyn affecting Williamsburg and Borough Park. Cases have also been identified in Midwood/Marine Park and Bensonhurst. Most of the cases have occurred in Williamsburg and Borough Park. 

Students attending a child care program serving the orthodox community, or pre-K program or grades K-12 in a yeshiva who do not have the required number of doses of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine must be excluded from school effective immediately including those who are not in compliance with daycare and school MMR vaccine requirements and those with a medical or religious exemption. 

This exclusion applies to child cares serving the Orthodox Jewish community and yeshivas in the following zip codes: 

  • 11204
  • 11205
  • 11206
  • 11211
  • 11218
  • 11219
  • 11249

These zip codes may be changed or updated based on the status of the outbreak. For children attending daycare and pre-kindergarten, one dose of MMR is required; for children attending kindergarten through 12th grade, two doses are required.

If a parent needs to have their child vaccinated with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, they should first check with the child’s medical provider. If they need to find a clinic for MMR vaccine, they can call the H+H clinics located in Brooklyn. Last, for children 4 years of age and older, they may be seen at the health department Fort Greene immunization clinic.

Students cannot return to school until they are appropriately vaccinated, or until the outbreak is declared over, even if they have an approved religious or medical exemption to measles immunization. 

Online

Visit NYC Health's website.

Visit the CDC's page on measles.

Visit the immunize website.

By Phone

Call 311 for assistance.

Children in nursery, Head start, or pre-K

Unvaccinated children in nursery, Head Start or pre-K program, cannot attend the school or program.

Children in Grades K-12

Unvaccinated children in grade kindergarten through 12, child cannot attend if in zip codes:

  • 11205 
  • 11206 
  • 11211 
  • 11219 
  • 11249

Children in Grades 9-12

If unvaccinated child is in grade 9-12 and school has grades 9-12 only, child cannot attend if in zip codes: 

  • 11205
  • 11206
  • 11211
  • 11249

If you need to have your child vaccinated with measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine you must first check with your medical provider. 

If you need to find a clinic for MMR vaccine, you can call the H+H clinics located in Brooklyn at 1 (844) NYC-4NYC or call one of the following clinics:

Bushwick
335 Central Avenue
(718) 573-4860

Jonathan Williams
333 Roebling Street
(718) 387-6470

Ida G. Israel
2925 West 19th Street
(844) 872-6639

Children 4 years of age and older may be seen at:

Fort Greene Immunization Clinic 
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM
No appointment necessary.