Following the deaths of two unvaccinated Lancaster County residents, Governor Josh Shapiro unveiled an aggressive statewide strategy to curb Pennsylvania’s growing measles outbreak. The deaths mark the commonwealth’s first fatal measles cases in 35 years.
Since the outbreak began in April, state health officials have confirmed 393 cases across 28 counties. In response, the administration is ramping up public health measures to contain the highly contagious virus, focusing heavily on expanding vaccine access and educating local health care workers.
“I want every Pennsylvanian to know this: measles does not care about your county, your faith, or your social circle. It’s vital for every parent to know that if you or your kids are unvaccinated, you are at an increased risk for contracting this highly-contagious virus. The Department of Health is working around the clock to ensure impacted communities have access to the right vaccines so they can protect themselves and those they love,” said Governor Shapiro.
The state’s mitigation efforts include:
Pop-Up Vaccination Clinics: The Department of Health (DOH) has already administered over 4,100 measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines across 91 pop-up clinics, with another 40 clinics scheduled to open in the coming weeks.
Specialized Provider Training: Because measles was largely eradicated in the U.S. for decades, many modern medical professionals have never diagnosed it in person. More than 1,000 healthcare providers and nearly 1,000 school nurses have participated in DOH briefings to help spot and treat early symptoms.
Lowering Vaccination Age Limits: Under new state guidance based on pediatric research, doctors in impacted areas can now give the MMR vaccine to infants as young as 6 months old.
School Safety Measures: With the school year starting, state officials are tracking local immunization levels. While statewide coverage remains high—over 93% for kindergarteners—some schools fall below the 95% threshold required for community herd immunity. The state has launched an online tool allowing parents to check their school’s immunization rates.
Health experts emphasize that the MMR vaccine is extremely safe and effective, offering 97% lifetime protection after two doses.
State officials advise anyone experiencing symptoms—which typically begin with a high fever, cough, and runny nose before developing into a body rash—to avoid public spaces and immediately call the state health hotline at 877-PA-HEALTH or contact their doctor. Further updates and local vaccine locations are available at pa.gov/measles.
