For a susceptible contact of measles, MMR vaccine given within 72 hours of exposure can prevent or soften illness. Where vaccine is contraindicated — pregnancy, significant immunosuppression, infants too young for vaccine — human normal immunoglobulin given within six days is the alternative.
The window is short, so ask about immunity as soon as a case is identified, not after symptoms appear in contacts.
- Identify contacts and their immunity status on the day a case is suspected.
- Offer MMR within 72 hours to eligible susceptible contacts.
- Consider immunoglobulin within six days for pregnant, immunosuppressed or very young contacts.
- Follow local public health advice on exclusion and quarantine.
Why it matters
The prevention window closes days before the contact becomes unwell.
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