Montgomery County health officials are hearing confusion from parents about the measles vaccine. They want to clear things up before school starts. Nothing has changed.
Parents have been asking healthcare providers whether the MMR vaccine is still fully covered. They’re also asking whether it’s still given as a single shot. Dr. Sean O’Donnell of Montgomery County Public Health addressed both questions at County Executive Marc Elrich’s weekly briefing.
It is one shot, he said. There’s no separate measles-only vaccine. MMR remains one combined shot for measles, mumps and rubella. All regulated Maryland health plans still cover it in full, with no copay.
“We want the messages to be clear,” O’Donnell said, “and it’s unfortunate that there is some of this confusion that’s been introduced.”
O’Donnell said Maryland has made no changes to its vaccine schedule or coverage requirements, despite what he called “political discourse” about vaccines at the national level. The health department plans additional outreach in the coming days to clear up the confusion.
Local vaccination rates remain strong
The county’s MMR vaccination rate was 96.5% for the 2025-26 school year. Montgomery County has seen only a small uptick in vaccine exemptions, even as the CDC has reported larger increases nationally.
Data for the current school year isn’t final yet. Parents typically submit documentation in the first week or two of classes. Final numbers sometimes don’t come until October. So far, O’Donnell said, compliance rates look similar to previous years.
What parents should do
Parents can check with their child’s school or pediatrician to confirm required vaccinations are up to date. Those who need support can also contact county immunization services.
Montgomery County also offers free student vaccination clinics through Sept. 25 for families who need them.
