---
title: "Measles Vaccine Rash"
slug: "measles-vaccine-rashes"
updated: 2026-03-31T16:36:09Z
published: 2026-03-31T16:36:09Z
canonical: "healthhub.cpcmg.net/measles-vaccine-rashes"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://healthhub.cpcmg.net/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Rash After the Measles Vaccine

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/a196e2c1-0707-4b9f-8164-e8201c779cd7/Images/Documentation/image(193).png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-30T09%3A05%3A29Z&se=2026-10-30T10%3A05%3A29Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=zEshdREvhEwQbQZG1hZCNAeTSb9VS6CbAT1u7EmGiJs%3D)

[![Appointment Info](https://cdn.us.document360.io/a196e2c1-0707-4b9f-8164-e8201c779cd7/Images/Documentation/1650055438388-1650055438388.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-30T09%3A05%3A29Z&se=2026-10-30T10%3A05%3A29Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=zEshdREvhEwQbQZG1hZCNAeTSb9VS6CbAT1u7EmGiJs%3D)](/v1/docs/appointments-and-contact-information) [![Care Decision Info](https://cdn.us.document360.io/a196e2c1-0707-4b9f-8164-e8201c779cd7/Images/Documentation/1654467115781-1654467115781.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-30T09%3A05%3A29Z&se=2026-10-30T10%3A05%3A29Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=zEshdREvhEwQbQZG1hZCNAeTSb9VS6CbAT1u7EmGiJs%3D)](https://www.rchsd.org/wait-times/what-type-of-care-does-my-child-need/)

<editor360-custom-block data-preprocessing="true" data-sanitizationtags="u,span"><div style="background-color:#f0f0f0;padding:12px;flex:1;min-width:200px;line-height:1.1;border-top:1px solid #ccc;margin-top:24px;"><p style="margin:0;"><strong><u><span style="color:rgb(172, 172, 173);"></span></u><span style="color:rgb(172, 172, 173);"></span><span style="color:rgb(141, 141, 141);font-size:14px;"><em>DISCLAIMER:</em></span><em><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color:rgb(172, 172, 173);"> </span></span></em></strong><span style="color:rgb(172, 172, 173);font-size:14px;"><em>This material is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor does it replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. Reference to a specific commercial product, service, or external web site does not imply endorsement or recommendation of that product, service, or external web site content by CPCMG. We attempt to keep lists of resources and referrals as up to date as possible; however, this information is constantly changing. Please check with the service provider and your insurance company to verify coverage.</em></span></p></div></editor360-custom-block>

## Overview

- A small number of children—about **5%**—develop a **pink rash** after getting the **measles vaccine**. This reaction is **normal**, **harmless**, and **not contagious**.

## Health Information

### Symptoms

- Symptoms usually begin 5-12 days after the vaccine and last for 2-3 days.
- **Rash**
  - **Small pink spots**. Some of the spots might come together to form larger red areas.
  - On both sides of the body.
  - Usually, on the **chest, stomach and back.**
- **Fever**
  - Usually between 101 F and 103 F (38.3 C and 39.5 C).
- Lack of other symptoms
  - Unlike an actual measles infection, children who have symptoms after receiving the immunization are less likely to also have coughing, runny nose, watery eyes, red eyes, or spots inside their mouth.

### Why This Happens

- The rash and fever are **normal immune responses** to the vaccine.
- They show that your child’s body is **building protection** against measles.
- **Not all children** get a rash or fever—**the vaccine still works** even without symptoms.
- This reaction is **NOT an allergy**.

## **Care at Home**

### **Rash**

- The rash is **harmless**.
- It is **not contagious** and **cannot spread** to others.
- No creams or medicines are needed.

### **Fever**

- You may use [**acetaminophen**](/v1/docs/acetaminophen-tylenol-dose-chart) **or** [**ibuprofen**](/v1/docs/ibuprofen-advil-motrin-dosage-table) to help your child feel comfortable.
- Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids and gets rest.
- Learn more about [fevers](/v1/docs/fever-and-your-child) here.

## **School and Childcare**

- Your child **does not need to stay home**.
- The rash **cannot be spread** to other children.

## **When to Call Your Doctor**

Contact your child’s healthcare provider if:

- Fever lasts **more than 3 days.**
- Rash lasts **more than 4 days** or there are signs of skin infection.
- You are worried your child needs to be seen.
- Your child’s symptoms **get worse.**

## 📚 References

This content was adapted from American Academy of Pediatrics Patient Education handouts, HealthyChildren.org and [Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Vaccine Education Center](https://www.chop.edu/vaccine-education-center/vaccine-details/measles-mumps-and-rubella-vaccines).

Reviewed by AR DO, Patient Education Committee.