Measles is highly contagious, and small declines in vaccination can cause outbreaks. As of 2026, California reported its highest annual measles case count in seven years. To learn more, a University of California, Riverside-led study surveyed adult patients in ten U.S. emergency departments from April to December 2024.
The researchers asked about MMR vaccination, knowledge of measles, and willingness to get vaccinated. They found many patients were unsure of their vaccination status or had not received the vaccine. The study also found vaccine hesitancy and differences in access linked to race, language, insurance and primary care. The authors said emergency departments can help by giving education and directing patients to clinics and pharmacies.
Difficult words
- contagious — can spread easily from person to person
- vaccination — a medical injection to prevent a diseaseMMR vaccination, vaccination status
- outbreak — a sudden increase in disease casesoutbreaks
- hesitancy — reluctance or doubt about taking a vaccinevaccine hesitancy
- access — ability to reach or use a service
- primary care — basic health services from a regular doctor
- emergency department — hospital area for urgent medical treatmentemergency departments
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever been unsure about your vaccination status? What did you do?
- Do you think emergency departments should give information about vaccines? Why or why not?
- What makes it hard for people to get vaccines in some communities?
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