Measles vaccinations increase in Utah amid US outbreak

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah health officials are reporting an increase in measles vaccinations this month amid an outbreak in the U.S.

“We are seeing a number of people coming in and getting vaccines for measles and I think this is (in) large part due to the concern of recent cases around the country,” said Utah State Epidemiologist Dr. Leisha Nolen.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, there have been 301 confirmed measles cases and one confirmed death from measles in the U.S. in 2025 so far.

Most of those cases have been in Texas and New Mexico and none have been in Utah.

“We can see about 19% more people have gotten their measles vaccine than we usually would see at these times of year. And it might not seem like a huge increase but it does end up being quite a few people who have gotten that vaccine.”

Nolen said she was pleased to see the rise in vaccinations, adding that they know there are a number of communities in the state that aren’t vaccinated.

During the 2023-24 school year, Utah kindergarteners’ vaccination coverage lagged at 88%, when the national average was nearly 93%.

Measles is a very contagious airborne illness and Nolen said the vaccine is extremely effective.

She also mentioned that more Utahns are vaccinated than not and she’s encouraged to see more people taking steps to protect themselves.