Measles vaccine effectiveness

May 1, 2025

Despite what some say, the measles vaccine saves lives and is not associated with autism. For Our World in Data, Saloni Dattani charts the effectiveness.

Side effects, like a mild fever or rash, do happen but are usually minor and short-lived. More serious reactions can occur, but these risks are rare and less likely than if the child actually got measles. It’s also important to be clear about what isn’t linked to the vaccine. The comprehensive evidence we have shows no association with autism, developmental delays, brain damage, or other conditions like asthma or diabetes.

Become a member. Support an independent site. Get extra visualization goodness.

See What You Get

Favorites

Air Quality Mapped Over Time

With wildfires burning in the western United States, smoke fills the air. This is an animation of the air quality during the past couple of months.

The Stages of Relationships, Distributed

Everyone’s relationship timeline is a little different. This animation plays out real-life paths to marriage.

Real Chart Rules to Follow

There are rules—usually for specific chart types meant to be read in a specific way—that you shouldn’t break. When they are, everyone loses. This is that small handful.

Guessing Names Based on What They Start With

I’m terrible at names, but maybe data can help. Put in your sex, the decade when you were born, and start putting in your name. I’ll try to guess before you’re done.