As national cases of measles climb, the Guilford County Division of Public Health is strongly urging parents to ensure that their children—kindergarten to high school—are up to date on the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that can lead to serious health complications. Symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes and rash. While there have been no reported cases of measles in North Carolina so far in 2025, public health officials encourage residents, schools, health care providers and child care centers to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves, their communities and those at highest risk, especially unvaccinated children.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) states that children should receive the first dose of the MMR vaccine at 12-15 months and the second dose at 4-6 years of age. Older students who have not been fully vaccinated should receive the MMR vaccine as soon as possible to ensure they are protected. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are approximately 97 percent effective in preventing measles, and one dose is about 93 percent effective.
Parents are encouraged to check their child’s immunization records and schedule any necessary vaccinations as soon as possible. Parents of children who require the MMR vaccine will receive a letter from their child's school with further information. The North Carolina General Statutes (G.S. 130A-152(a)) require immunizations for every child present in this state.
MMR vaccinations are available from local health care providers. Additionally, the Guilford County Division of Public Health will offer walk-in immunization clinics for kindergarten through 12th grade students in Greensboro (1100 East Wendover Avenue) and High Point (501 East Green Drive) locations from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the following dates: April 8, April 10, April 14, April 15, April 16, April 17, April 29, April 30 and May 1. Please ensure that health insurance (including Medicaid) information and your child’s immunization record are readily available. A parent or guardian will need to be present at the time of the visit.
For more information on measles prevention and vaccination resources, visit the NCDHHS website and see the page dedicated to measles and measles prevention.