Pharmacists’ Role in Measles Outbreak Response Amid Rising Cases

Pharmacy Times speaks with professor of pharmacy practice at Chapman University, Jeff Goad, PhD, MPH, on what role pharmacists play during outbreaks or rising measles cases.

Goad highlights the growing concern surrounding the resurgence of measles in the United States, noting that after achieving measles elimination status in 2000, the country is now seeing a rise in cases that could jeopardize that status by 2025. He emphasizes that this development underscores the need for healthcare professionals—including pharmacists—to remain alert, informed, and prepared to manage an increasing number of cases.

Pharmacists, Goad explains, serve as a critical and highly accessible point of care due to the walk-in nature of pharmacies and extended hours of operation. In many states, pharmacists can administer the MMR vaccine, making them key providers in closing immunization gaps. However, scope of practice varies, so pharmacists must be aware of their state-specific regulations, including age requirements for vaccination.

Beyond vaccination, pharmacists also play an important role in early identification and response. Since they are often the first healthcare contact for patients experiencing early measles symptoms, they must be able to recognize the prodromal phase and the characteristic “three C’s.” If measles is suspected, pharmacists should quickly take steps to limit exposure, including asking patients to mask if possible, advising them to leave the pharmacy, and directing them to appropriate care settings. Importantly, pharmacists should also call ahead to emergency departments or urgent care centers so that appropriate isolation protocols and public health notifications can be initiated.

Goad also stresses the importance of proactive immunization assessment. Pharmacists can identify vaccination gaps during routine encounters, medication therapy management visits, or travel consultations. This includes flagging high-risk groups such as international travelers, healthcare workers, college students, and parents of infants. He notes that while early MMR dosing can be considered in infants as young as six months in specific outbreak or travel scenarios, it should be done in coordination with pediatric providers.

Finally, he emphasizes pharmacists’ role in patient education and misinformation management. There is no cure for measles—only prevention through vaccination—and pharmacists must communicate this clearly while addressing myths about treatments such as vitamin A in a respectful, evidence-based manner.