The National Health Commission recently said that a number of countries have reported measles outbreaks, increasing the likelihood that the highly contagious virus could be brought into China. In response, some local governments have begun offering additional vaccinations to eligible groups, with certain populations receiving free doses.

Vaccinations for measles, mumps, and rubella remain the most effective and cost-efficient way to prevent infection. China includes them in the national immunization program, with infants receiving one dose at eight months and a second at 18 months, both free of charge.

Measles is an acute respiratory disease caused by the measles virus and is among the most contagious infectious diseases. Up to 90 percent of unvaccinated individuals exposed to the virus may become infected.

Measles immunization prevented nearly 59 million deaths around the world between 2000 and 2024, according to estimates from the World Health Organization.

At a news conference on March 18, Yu Wenzhou, an expert at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said that six of the 10 countries reporting the highest numbers of measles cases in 2025 share borders with China.

He also said that some areas within China have recently reported localized outbreaks and small clusters of infections.

Some regions offer free catch-up vaccination for individuals under 18. In Guangzhou, Guangdong province, those who have not completed two doses of measles-containing vaccine can receive free catch-up doses. Maoming is running a free MMR catch-up campaign from March to May, with priority given to children.

In Hefei, Anhui province, free MMR vaccinations are available from March to May for children aged 6 to 15 who have incomplete or unknown vaccination records.

In Shanghai, the campaign offers a free MMR vaccine to children aged 8 months to 17 years who have received fewer than three doses. The city is also offering doses to adults in high-exposure occupations or situations, including border inspection and customs employees, international airport and airline crew, healthcare workers, early childhood educators, caregivers, college students with an incomplete or unknown vaccination history, and individuals planning to travel abroad.