Measles outbreaks in eight states have raised concerns locally about vaccine boosters. Cheryl Skalla, director of the Marshall County Health Department, advises residents to call for guidance if they are not sure if they are fully immunized. Generally, those fully immunized with the two-dose MMR vaccine need no further action.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment alerted local agencies about measles spreading in Alaska, California, Georgia, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, and Texas, with Texas experiencing a significant outbreak. Twenty people have been hospitalized, and one death has been reported.

Public health officials anticipate further spread due to high mobility. Nurse Tami Stowell emphasizes proactive awareness through social media. The MMR vaccine is highly effective, and Kansas’ kindergarten vaccination rate was 90-93% in 2023-24. Measles remains a serious illness, particularly for young children.