Measles Immunity

Updated May 4, 2026

Employees are asked to voluntarily submit evidence of immunity to the measles. This webpage provides additional information regarding the measles, why we are requesting the voluntary evidence, and the process for submission.

At this time, we do not have any known measles cases within PPS. This request is a preparedness step. Having documentation already on file will help PPS, MESD, and Multnomah County Health Department respond more quickly if there is a confirmed exposure in one of our schools or worksites. It may also help employees prevent unnecessary isolation or return to work faster if public health officials need to review immunity documentation.

We know that some schools have higher rates of unvaccinated students. Because measles is highly contagious, public health investigations can move quickly when there is a confirmed case or exposure. Submitting documentation now helps reduce delays later.

Submit your evidence of immunity to Human Resources via this form.

Ways to access your immunity records:

Option 1: Contact Your Health Care Provider or Pharmacy
Your medical provider, clinic, or local pharmacy may be able to provide your immunization history directly from their medical records system or from Oregon’s Immunization Information System (ALERT IIS).

Option 2: Request Your Record Through the Oregon Immunization Program (ALERT IIS)
To request your record online, visit: OHA Immunization Record Request

You may request your immunization record directly through the Oregon Immunization Program.

Submit the online immunization record request form
Records are typically provided within 10–15 business days
If requested by email, records will be sent via secure email

Alternative submission options:
Email: alertiis@odhsoha.oregon.gov
Fax: 971-673-0278

Mail:
Oregon Immunization Program
800 NE Oregon Street, Suite 370
Portland, OR 97232

Please note:

Adult immunization records in ALERT IIS are generally available beginning in 2008, so record completeness may vary.
If you have already submitted an online request, you do not need to submit an additional form.

For more information about Alert IIS or how to get your immunization records, visit OHA’s Immunization Records site.

Student Success and Health Website
For information regarding student immunizations, visit the Student Success and Health website, the School Health Services page has a lot of great school-based information.

April 27

April 27, 2026

Dear PPS Colleagues,

We are following up on our recent measles communication requesting all employees to proactively and voluntarily submit evidence of immunity to measles by Friday, May 15. We encourage those unable to meet this deadline to submit their documentation as soon as possible.

Submit your evidence of immunity to Human Resources via this form.

Evidence of immunity may include documentation such as:

MMR or other measles-containing vaccine record;
Laboratory evidence of immunity, such as a measles antibody/titer result;
Laboratory confirmation of a prior measles diagnosis; or
Other documentation recognized by public health guidance, including birth before 1957.

It is important to understand the difference between being sick with measles and being excluded due to lack of documentation. Under Oregon Health Authority (OHA) guidance, an employee with measles would be excluded because they are ill and contagious. If a person is exposed to measles and cannot provide evidence of immunity, public health officials may direct exclusion from school or work, even if the person does not have measles.

We have met with union leaders about this process. Employees should be aware that applicable contract language provides paid status during exclusion only in certain circumstances. Specifically, employees are paid if they are excluded and vaccinated. If an employee is excluded because they are unable to provide evidence of immunity, that situation may be treated differently under applicable contract provisions.

Again, there are currently no known measles cases in PPS. This step is intended to help us be prepared, reduce disruption, and support faster decision-making if public health officials identify an exposure connected to a PPS school or worksite.

For questions about measles, symptoms, exposure, or immunity, please visit OHA’s measles information page. You may also visit the PPS School Health Services website for district health-related resources.

Thank you for helping us support the health and safety of our students, staff, and school communities.

Dr. Angela Freeman, Chief of Human Resources

April 10

Dear families and staff,

As you may know, there is a measles outbreak in Oregon. Per the Oregon Health Authority, there are 13 reported cases throughout the state. Multnomah County reported its first measles case this year on March 26, 2026. In consultation with our public health partners, the Multnomah Education Service District (MESD) and the Multnomah County Health Department (MCHD), we are recommending steps to prevent illness and outlining action steps should measles impact our school community.

What is measles?

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease and can have serious complications, including hospitalization and death. Initial symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and sore throat. Typically, a rash develops near the hairline or neck and spreads to the rest of the body.
Measles can be especially dangerous for babies and young children but can cause severe disease in people of all ages.

Measles may be prevented through vaccinations. Two doses of the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine are recommended for children (typically given at 12 months of age and 4 years old) and are 97% effective at preventing measles for life. Adolescents and adults without immunity to measles can receive two doses of MMR vaccine 28 days apart.

If measles occurs at our school:

Our public health partners will perform a public health investigation to identify any students or staff who may have been exposed, while maintaining the privacy of the individual that was diagnosed.
Vaccination records of those who have been exposed to measles while at school will be reviewed. Students and staff who are unvaccinated or are unable to provide documentation of immunity to measles may be excluded from school/work for at least 21 days.

Evidence of immunity to measles can include:

Documentation of measles-containing vaccine, such as the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine; or,
Laboratory records of antibody tests showing immunity; or,
Laboratory records of previous measles diagnosis; or,
Birth before 1957
Any excluded students or staff will also be asked to stay home to avoid exposing others in the community.

Recommendations:

Review your/ your students' vaccine records and stay up to date with vaccines. Call and schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider or at any PPS Student Health Center, as needed.
Exposed staff should be prepared to provide evidence of immunity upon request.
Review the symptom-based exclusion chart and stay home from school or work if you are unwell.
Monitor yourself and household members for symptoms of measles. If you believe you/your student might have measles or been exposed to measles, call your healthcare provider or medical office for further direction. Seek emergency care as needed and call ahead of your arrival to avoid spreading the virus to others.

For more information about measles, visit the Oregon Health Authority webpage. If you have questions or concerns, please call your healthcare provider or Multnomah County Health Department at 503-988-3406.

Sincerely,

Jey Buno
Chief of Student Services
Portland Public Schools

Richard Bruno, MD,
MPH Health Officer
Multnomah County Health Department