Measles and Respiratory Vaccine Updates and Resources for Physicians and Providers
(Sept. 18, 2026) – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued two HANs last week on vaccine-preventable infectious diseases – one on measles vigilance, and another on respiratory vaccine guidance.
Four measles deaths have been reported in Pennsylvania linked to the state's current outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports nearly 3,300 confirmed measles cases across 47 U.S. jurisdictions as of Sept. 10, 2026.
With increased measles activity across the U.S. and globally, KDHE encourages providers to remain vigilant for measles and to immediately isolate and report patients with suspected measles. As a reminder, mandated reporters must report all suspected measles cases to the 24/7 KDHE epidemiology hotline (877-427-7317, option five) within four hours of suspicion, per K.A.R. 28-1-2 to report all suspected measles cases to the 24/7 KDHE epidemiology hotline (877-427-7317, option 5) within four (4) hours of suspicion. Per K.A.R. 28-1-18, laboratories must report measles test results (positive and negative) to KDHE via an approved electronic method.
As of Sept. 14, the Kansas Reportable Infectious Disease Dashboard reports two cases of measles in Kansas. A Region VII Disaster Health Response Ecosystem ECHO hosted by the University of Nebraska Medical Center on Travel and Symptom Screenings for High Consequence Infectious Diseases offers guidance on effective HCIDS screenings.
As we head into respiratory virus season, the HAN on respiratory vaccine guidance reinforces respiratory immunization schedules and guidance published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Infectious Disease Society of America.
KHA is a member of the Immunize Kansas Coalition, which provides evidence-based guidance and resources for hospitals, clinics, physicians, and other providers and clinicians, many with free continuing education. Check out the new Provider Education and Communications Resource Hub! IKC's second edition of Vaccine Fears Overturned by Facts provides scripting and recommendations to address vaccine hesitancy among patients, parents and caregivers.
--Karen Braman