Stay Safe – Get the Vaccines You Need
Caring for you and your health is our top priority. We want to make sure you stay informed and get the vaccines you need to are protected from measles and other diseases.
Vaccines Safely Protect You From Serious Diseases
Vaccines are a safe way to protect yourself and your family from many diseases. Vaccines can help keep you healthy. Each vaccine has a schedule of when you should get it.
It’s very important to protect yourself and others from getting sick from measles and other diseases. Many vaccines are a free covered benefit if you have Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) or Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+). Adults can get vaccines at pharmacies, or from your primary care doctor (PCP). Check with your child’s doctor about which vaccines they offer.
Talk to your doctor about what vaccines are right for you or your child. If you don’t have a doctor, we can help you find one. Call us at 800-511-5010 or find one online at coaccess.com/findaprovider.
You can also find a vaccine near you online:
Measles Can Be Serious
Measles is here in Colorado. It is more than just a rash; measles can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children. In serious cases, it can cause brain swelling or damage, loss of hearing and vision, and death.
It is also very contagious. Measles spreads through the air. Wearing a mask can help prevent the spread of measles, but vaccines are the best way.
Learn more about measles:
Who Should Get the Measles Vaccine?
There are two types of vaccines that prevent measles:
- Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
- Measles, mumps, rubella, varicella/chickenpox (MMRV)
The measles vaccine has been used for more than 50 years. It has been tested many times to show it is safe and effective.
The measles vaccine protects you for life. If you received two vaccine doses of MMR or MMRV as a child, you don’t need another dose.
- Children 12 months through 12 years old should get the vaccine if they haven’t gotten it already. Children should get the first dose between 12 and 15 months old and the second dose when they are 4 to 6 years old (before kindergarten).
- College students should get the vaccine if they haven’t gotten it already.
- Anyone 6 months old and older should get the vaccine at least two weeks before traveling to other countries if they haven’t gotten it already.
- Pregnant people should wait to get the measles vaccine.
You should talk to your doctor before getting the measles vaccine if you:
- Only received one vaccine dose instead of two.
- Have a compromised immune system.
Learn more about the measles vaccine:
Learn more about vaccines: