With measles cases on the rise in New York, Governor Kathy Hochul has launched a new web portal aimed at improving public access to vaccines and health information. The initiative comes as health officials confirm four cases statewide in 2025—three in New York City and one in Suffolk County. While none of the cases are connected, state officials are urging New Yorkers to stay current with their immunizations, particularly the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine.
“Measles doesn’t belong in the 21st century, and it certainly doesn’t belong in the State of New York,” Hochul said in a statement. “As measles outbreaks occur at home and around the globe, it’s critical that New Yorkers take the necessary steps to get vaccinated, get educated and stave off the spread of this preventable disease.”
The New York State Department of Health has launched ny.gov/measles, a web portal designed to support vaccination efforts, public education, and healthcare provider engagement. Officials say the initiative is particularly critical as misinformation about vaccines has fueled hesitancy in recent years, contributing to declining immunization rates.
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald emphasized the severity of the disease and the importance of immunization. “The single way to prevent measles is to be immunized, and this is an irrefutable fact,” McDonald said. “Measles is much more than just a rash. In the current outbreak in the United States, one in five people are being admitted to a hospital.”
According to state immunization registry data, 81.4% of babies under two years old in New York—excluding New York City—have received at least one dose of the MMR vaccine. However, health experts stress that full protection requires two doses.
Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease that can cause severe complications, including pneumonia, brain inflammation, and even death. The virus spreads through coughing, sneezing, or touching contaminated surfaces. Pregnant individuals are at higher risk of miscarriage and low birth weight if infected.
To combat the growing public health concern, the state has intensified efforts to identify and prosecute vaccine fraud. The Department of Health has been working with schools, law enforcement, and health officials to prevent falsification of vaccine records, which is a felony under New York law.
Health officials advise anyone uncertain of their immunization status to contact their healthcare provider or local health department. Infants as young as six months can receive the MMR vaccine if traveling abroad, and adults born between 1957 and 1971 are encouraged to verify their vaccination history.
For more information, visit ny.gov/measles or the CDC website for details on measles prevention and vaccination.
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