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Montana Public Health Training Center

Panel Discussion and Q&A

Back-to-School In a Time of Measles Resurgence: Community Protection Through Vaccination

Join us for a panel discussion and Q&A with public health, clinical, and school professionals.

August 19, 2025

6:00-8:00PM

Zoom Recording

For a summary of the questions and answers, you may be interested in the NBC News article by Katie Fairbanks published 8/20/25.

Measles in Montana Interviews

The Montana Public Health Training Center recently sat down with health care and public health providers to discuss the current measles situation in Montana. 

We are currently in the process of packaging up the interviews in short, digestible videos. Please check back often as we continue to add to this resource page.

Click on the topic in the accordion below to access the interview questions and video clips:

  • Part 1: Basics of Measles

    Full Video

    Individual question clips are also provided below. 

     

    Interview Clips

    Click on the answer buttons below to view the clip for that interview question.

    Question 1: What is measles?

    Answer

    Question 2: How does one contract measles and how does it spread?

    Answer

    Question 3: What are the risks of acquiring measles?

    Answer

    Question 4: How do we treat measles?

    Answer

    Question 5: Why are we seeing measles in the U.S. if it was eliminated in the 2000s? 

    Answer

    Question 6: How does the measles vaccine work and why is it referred to as the MMR vaccine? 

    Answer

    Question 7: Is this like COVID-19?

    Answer

  • Part 2: Risk, Exposure, and Response

    Full Video

    Individual question clips are also provided below. 

     

    Interview Clips

    Click on the answer buttons below to view the clip for that interview question.

    Question 1: I have heard of cases of measles in my community. Does this mean I have been exposed to measles?

    Answer

    Question 2: I have been told someone in my household has measles. What should I do? 

    Answer

    Question 3: I have been told I have the measles. What should I do?

    Answer

    Questions 4-6: What is considered measles exposure? What should I do if I have been exposed to a measles case and have not been vaccinated? What if I know I am fully vaccinated but was exposed to measles?

    Answer

    Question 7: Do schools need to notify parents if a measles case has been confirmed in their school or classroom?

    Answer

    Question 8: Coming Soon

    Question 9: What are immunoglobulins and who would be candidates to receive them?

    Answer

  • Part 3: Vaccination Guidance

    Full Video

    Individual question clips clips are also provided below. 

     

    Interview Clips

    Click on the answer buttons below to view the clip for that interview question.

    Question 1: What are the routine vaccination recommendations for measles?

    Answer

    Question 2: How does the vaccination schedule change in a setting of outbreak response?

    Answer

    Question 3: How effective is the measles vaccine?

    Answer

    Question 4: Where can I find the MMR vaccine in Montana?

    Answer

    Question 5: What are the risks of the measles vaccine?

    Answer

    Question 6: Are there people who should not be vaccinated against measles and if so, how do they protect themselves?

    Answer

    Question 7: Does an acceleration of the vaccine schedule change the recommendations? 

    Answer

    Question 8: Why do people need two shots?

    Answer

    Question 9: What does it mean to say the vaccine is a "live" vaccine, and can you get the measles from the vaccine?

    Answer

    Question 10: What is recommended if someone does not know their vaccination status?

    Answer

    Question 11: Should I get a booster measles shot?

    Answer

  • Part 4: Provider Protocols and Public Health Response 

     

    Full video

    Individual question clips are also provided below. 

     

    Interview Clips

    Click on the answer buttons below to view the clip for that interview question.

    Question 1: Where can providers get the latest information about measles cases in the U.S. and Montana?

    Answer

    Question 2: How has the state and local public health been preparing for this event?

    Answer

    Question 3: What are the recommended protocols for responding to a suspected measles case in emergency rooms, urgent cares, etc.?

    Answer

    Questions 4 and 5: How might triage be done to prevent others from being exposed? If a provider decides to test, what additional measures should be taken to minimize exposure to others? 

    Answer

    Question 6: What are some provider screening questions to ask if measles might need to be considered in the differential? 

    Answer

    Question 7: What should a provider consider to be a history of exposure to measles? 

    Answer

    Questions 8 and 9: Can we use imMTRAX to confirm the status of the measles vaccine? What other sources may help to confirm measles vaccine status?

    Answer

    Question 10: Most providers have never seen a measles case. What are some places providers can review to feel more comfortable with diagnosing measles?

    Answer

    Question 11: If a suspected measles case came to the clinic/emergency department, etc., what key protocols should we have in place to limit exposure to others?

    Answer

    Question 12: What happens if a case is identified outside of business hours?

    Answer

    Question 13: What are the most important steps a healthcare facility can take right now to prepare for measles? 

    Answer

    Question 14: Are there special infection prevention considerations healthcare facilities should take if a patient has signs or symptoms of measles? 

    Answer

    Question 15: Does DPHHS offer any infection prevention guidance for healthcare facilities in Montana?

    Answer

    Question 16: If facilities have questions about infection prevention measures, who can they contact?

    Answer

    Question 17: What is the best thing we can do right now?

    Answer

    Question 18: There's been a lot of new vaccine-related laws since COVID-19. Can I ask staff if they are vaccinated against measles to help decrease the risk of an employee acquiring measles or exposing others to measles?

    Answer

    Question 19: What type of PPE should those caring for a suspected measles case wear?

    Answer

    Question 20: You have isolated a suspected measles case in a room for evaluation. How should that room be cleaned after the patient leaves? 

    Answer

    Question 21: You suspect a possible measles case. What test should you order and what should the patient and their close contacts do until the test results return from the lab?

    Answer

    Question 22: At what point should public health be notified and what is the process for notifying public health? 

    Answer

Please note: The information shared in these interviews is intended for general informational purposes only and reflects the perspectives of the individuals interviewed. It should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Viewers should always consult their own physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or health concern.

Resources

Click the headings below to expand and view the resources provided by the speakers.