Measles Outbreak 2026: What Parents Need to Know Before School Registration

With over 700 confirmed measles cases across 20 states so far in 2026, this school registration season is shaping up to be unlike any in recent memory. Parents are understandably anxious, and schools are paying closer attention to vaccination records than ever before. If you have a child entering kindergarten, changing schools, or heading to college this fall, here is what you need to know.

The Current Measles Situation

The 2026 measles outbreak is the largest the United States has experienced in over 25 years. South Carolina alone accounts for more than 540 of the confirmed cases, with clusters spreading through communities with lower vaccination rates. The CDC has issued multiple alerts urging parents to verify their children's vaccination status.

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and the virus can linger in a room for up to two hours after the infected person has left. An unvaccinated person exposed to measles has a 90% chance of becoming infected. For a deeper dive into how measles spreads and its symptoms, visit our Measles FAQ page.

What Schools Require for Registration

Every state in the U.S. requires certain vaccinations for school entry, though the specific requirements and exemption policies vary. For measles, the standard requirement is two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine:

• First dose: Typically given at 12 to 15 months of age
• Second dose: Usually administered at 4 to 6 years of age, before kindergarten entry

Some states are tightening their enforcement of vaccination requirements in response to the outbreak. If your child is missing either dose, schools may not allow enrollment until vaccination records are up to date.

How to Check Your Child's Vaccination Records

Before school registration begins, take these steps to make sure your child's records are in order:

1. Check your state immunization registry. Most states maintain an electronic database called an Immunization Information System (IIS). You can typically access your child's records online or by calling your state health department.
2. Contact your pediatrician. Your child's doctor will have records of all vaccinations given in their office and can provide an official immunization record.
3. Look through your personal files. Many parents receive a yellow immunization card at their child's first vaccinations. If you have this card, it serves as a portable record.
4. Request school records. If your child has been enrolled in a school previously, that school likely has copies of their vaccination documentation.

What If Your Child Is Behind on Vaccinations

If your child has not received both doses of the MMR vaccine, the good news is that catch-up vaccination is straightforward. The CDC recommends:

• Children who missed the first dose can receive it immediately, with the second dose at least 28 days later.
• Children who received the first dose but missed the second can get the second dose at any age, as long as it has been at least 28 days since the first.
• There is no need to restart the series if a dose was delayed.

Use our vaccine finder tool to locate walk-in clinics, pharmacies, and health departments near you that offer the MMR vaccine. Many offer vaccinations at low or no cost for children, especially through the federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) program.

Understanding Exemptions

All 50 states allow medical exemptions for children who cannot safely receive certain vaccines due to documented health conditions such as severe allergies to vaccine components or immune system disorders. Beyond medical exemptions:

• Religious exemptions are available in 44 states
• Philosophical or personal belief exemptions are available in 15 states

However, during an active outbreak, some states and school districts have the authority to exclude unvaccinated children from school, regardless of exemption status, until the outbreak is contained. Given the current situation, parents relying on non-medical exemptions should be aware that their child could face temporary exclusion from school if cases are detected in their area.

Important: Exemption policies are changing rapidly in 2026. Check with your local school district and state health department for the most current requirements in your area.

Protecting Your Family Beyond Vaccination

While the MMR vaccine is the most effective protection against measles (about 97% effective after two doses), there are additional steps parents can take during this outbreak:

• Stay informed. Monitor the outbreak map to know if cases have been reported in your state or county.
• Know the symptoms. Measles typically begins with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash that starts on the face and spreads downward. Symptoms appear 7 to 21 days after exposure.
• Act quickly if exposed. If your child has been in contact with a confirmed measles case, contact your pediatrician immediately. Post-exposure vaccination within 72 hours can help prevent the disease.
• Protect infants. Babies under 12 months are too young for the MMR vaccine and are particularly vulnerable. Limit their exposure to large crowds in areas with active outbreaks.

What About Adults?

School registration is also a good reminder for parents to check their own immunity. Adults born after 1957 who have not received at least one dose of MMR vaccine or who lack evidence of immunity should consider getting vaccinated, especially during an active outbreak. This is particularly important for adults who work in schools, healthcare settings, or other high-contact environments.

Key Takeaways for Parents

• Start checking vaccination records now, well before school registration deadlines.
• Two doses of MMR are required for school entry in every state.
• Catch-up vaccination is simple and widely available.
• Exemptions may not protect against school exclusion during an outbreak.
• The MMR vaccine is safe, well-studied, and highly effective.

The 2026 measles outbreak is a serious public health event, but it is also preventable. Making sure your child is fully vaccinated before school registration is the single most important step you can take to protect your family and your community. If you have questions about the MMR vaccine or measles in general, visit our comprehensive FAQ for clear, evidence-based answers.