The recent increase in measles cases in different regions of the world has reignited an important alert: diseases considered controlled can circulate again when vaccination coverage declines. In a global scenario marked by frequent international travel, declining vaccine uptake in some countries and the spread of misinformation, immunisation has returned to the centre of public health discussions.

More than a topic restricted to measles, this debate reinforces an essential reality: vaccines remain one of the most effective strategies for preventing outbreaks, hospitalisations and deaths from infectious diseases.

According to the Ministry of Health, Brazil maintains active surveillance against the risk of measles reintroduction, especially given the circulation of the virus in other countries and the international flow of travellers.

What is measles?

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease, transmitted mainly by respiratory droplets released when coughing, sneezing, speaking or breathing. The transmission capacity is so high that a single infected person can transmit the virus to several others even before symptoms appear.

The most common signs include:

  • High fever

  • Persistent cough

  • Runny nose

  • Conjunctivitis

  • Red spots across the body, usually starting on the face and spreading progressively

Symptoms typically appear between 7 and 14 days after contact with the virus.

What are the complications of measles?

Although many people associate measles only with skin spots, the disease can cause serious complications, especially in young children, older people, pregnant women and immunocompromised persons.

The main complications include:

  • Pneumonia

  • Otitis

  • Severe dehydration

  • Encephalitis

  • Neurological impairment

  • Hospital admission

  • Death in more severe cases

Furthermore, measles can cause a temporary reduction in the body's immune memory, leaving a person more vulnerable to other infections in the following months.

Why is vaccination so important?

The measles vaccine does not protect only the vaccinated individual. It also reduces the circulation of the virus in the community, protecting more vulnerable people who cannot receive certain vaccines, such as some immunocompromised individuals and pregnant women.

This concept is known as collective protection.

When vaccination coverage falls, the virus finds space to circulate again. This is exactly what happened in several countries in recent years, including regions that had previously controlled the disease.

Mass vaccination transformed diseases that previously caused thousands of deaths into rare events. The impact is not limited to measles. Other potentially serious diseases also depend directly on maintaining vaccination coverage, such as:

  • Pertussis

  • Bacterial meningitis

  • Poliomyelitis

  • Rubella

  • Yellow fever

  • Influenza

  • HPV

  • COVID-19 in priority groups

What changed in the vaccination schedule in 2026?

The National Vaccination Schedule underwent important updates in 2026, reinforcing strategies for population protection and epidemiological surveillance.

Among the most relevant points related to measles are:

  • Reinforcement of guidance on the triple viral vaccine

  • Expanded strategies for vaccination blocking in areas with suspected cases

  • Update of recommendations for international travellers

  • Specific guidance for use of the so-called "zero dose" in children between 6 and 11 months in situations of epidemiological risk

Currently, the recommended vaccination schedule includes:

Children

  • 12 months: first dose of triple viral vaccine

  • 15 months: second dose

People aged 1 to 29 years

  • Should have two proven doses of the vaccine

People aged 30 to 59 years

  • Should have at least one registered dose

Healthcare professionals

  • Need to prove two doses regardless of age

What if the vaccination record is out of date?

One of the main current difficulties is that many adults do not know if they received all the vaccines recommended in childhood.

In these cases, the guidance from the Ministry of Health is to seek a health unit for an assessment of the vaccination situation. In many situations, it is possible to update the schedule safely.

Vaccination continues to be offered free of charge by the NHS.

Beyond the vaccine: how to prevent measles?

Although vaccination is the main form of prevention, other measures help reduce the risk of transmission:

  • Frequent hand hygiene

  • Respiratory etiquette

  • Isolation of suspected cases

  • Early medical attention for symptoms

  • Active epidemiological surveillance

  • Updating the vaccination record before international travel

Vaccination is an individual decision with collective impact

In public health, some choices go beyond the personal sphere. Vaccination is one of them.

When a population maintains high immunisation rates, outbreaks become less likely, hospitalisations decrease and vulnerable people are better protected. When this coverage falls, diseases previously controlled can return rapidly.

The history of medicine has shown on various occasions that prevention is more efficient and less painful than dealing with the consequences of preventable epidemics.

This content is exclusively educational and informative in nature. It does not replace medical assessment, diagnosis or consultation with a healthcare professional. In case of doubts about vaccination or symptoms, seek medical attention or visit a health unit.

Dr. Rebeca Soares Andrade CRM-GO 39335