How many doses of measles vaccine does a child need?

Two. WHO's standard for national immunisation programmes is to reach all children with two doses of measles vaccine, given alone or combined with rubella and mumps.

How long is someone with measles infectious?

From about four days before the rash appears until four days after it appears, according to WHO and the NHS. The NHS advises staying off school or work for at least four days from when the rash starts.

What does the measles rash look like?

The NHS describes raised spots that join together into blotchy patches, usually not itchy. It starts on the face and behind the ears and spreads downwards, and it can be harder to see on brown and black skin.

Is measles dangerous for adults?

It can be. WHO lists adults over 30 among the groups most at risk of serious illness, along with children under 5, malnourished people and those with weakened immune systems.

Measles Symptoms, Risks and the Vaccine

Measles is far more than a childhood rash. WHO estimates around 95,000 people died of measles in 2024, most of them unvaccinated children under 5. It is also one of the most contagious diseases known: one infected person can pass it to as many as 18 others.

What are the symptoms of measles?

Symptoms usually appear 7 to 14 days after being exposed. The NHS describes them arriving in a set order:

Cold-like symptoms first: a high temperature, a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, a cough, and red, sore, watery eyes.
Small white spots inside the mouth a few days later, on the inside of the cheeks and the back of the lips. These usually last a few days.
The rash, a few days after the cold symptoms begin. It starts on the face and behind the ears, then spreads to the rest of the body.

The rash is made of raised spots that join together into blotchy patches, and it is not usually itchy. On brown and black skin it can be harder to see, so check inside the mouth and behind the ears as well. WHO says the early symptoms last about 4 to 7 days and the rash fades after 4 to 8 days.

How does measles spread?

It spreads when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. WHO notes the virus can stay active in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours. A person is infectious from about four days before the rash appears until four days after it appears, which means measles is passed on before anyone knows what it is. The NHS advises staying away from nursery, school or work for at least four days from when the rash first appears.

How serious can measles get?

WHO lists these complications: severe pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), blindness, ear infections, and severe diarrhoea that leads to dehydration. Measles during pregnancy can cause miscarriage or a premature baby with low birth weight. The people most likely to become seriously ill are children under 5, adults over 30, people who are malnourished, and anyone with a weakened immune system.

For children under 5 with suspected measles, WHO recommends two doses of vitamin A given straight away, because it helps recovery and prevents complications. This is given by a health worker, so do not guess amounts at home.

How do you care for measles at home?

The NHS advises rest and plenty of fluids while the illness runs its course. Clean crusts from the eyes gently using cotton wool and water that has been boiled and cooled. Keep the room ventilated, avoid sharing towels, cups or bedding, and keep the person away from anyone who is pregnant, immunocompromised or not vaccinated. If a fever needs easing, ask a pharmacist or doctor which medicine suits the person's age, and never give aspirin to a child under 16.

Does the measles vaccine work?

Yes. WHO says the measles vaccine has been in use since the 1960s and is safe, effective and inexpensive, and that the goal for every country is to reach all children with two doses. It is given either on its own or combined with rubella (MR), or with mumps and rubella (MMR or MMRV). In Pakistan, measles and rubella are among the 12 diseases covered by the routine EPI schedule for children aged 0 to 15 months. If your child missed a dose, ask at your nearest vaccination centre rather than assuming it is too late.

When to see a doctor

Contact a doctor if you think you or your child has measles, especially if you are unvaccinated, pregnant, or have a weakened immune system. Get urgent help if any of these appear:

A high temperature that does not come down with fever medicine
Fast or difficult breathing, or chest pain
The person is drinking much less than usual, has a dry mouth, or is passing very little urine
Drowsiness, confusion, a fit, or a stiff neck
Very painful eyes or a change in vision

For breathing difficulty, a fit, or a child you cannot wake, call Rescue 1122 where available, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.

In an emergency call Rescue 1122 where the service is available, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Last reviewed against the sources above: 22 September 2026. This page gives general health information only. It is not medical advice and does not replace a doctor. See our editorial policy.