From the Guidelines
For a 55-year-old adult, an MMR booster is not routinely recommended unless specific risk factors are present, such as working in healthcare, planning international travel to high-risk areas, attending college, or having no documentation of vaccination or immunity, as stated in the guidelines 1. When considering the need for an MMR booster, it's essential to assess individual risk factors. Adults born before 1957 are generally considered immune to measles and mumps due to natural exposure. Those born in 1957 or later likely received one or two doses of MMR vaccine as a child, which typically provides lifelong immunity. However, certain situations may warrant a booster, including:
- Working in healthcare
- Planning international travel to high-risk areas
- Attending college
- Having no documentation of vaccination or immunity
- Being previously vaccinated with the killed measles vaccine used between 1963-1967 The MMR vaccine contains weakened live viruses that stimulate the immune system to develop protection without causing the actual diseases. If unsure about immunity status, a simple blood test can check antibody levels, helping determine if a booster is necessary, as recommended by guidelines 1. Discussing specific situations with a healthcare provider is crucial for personalized advice.
From the Research
MMR Booster for 55-Year-Olds
- The decision to administer a MMR booster to a 55-year-old individual depends on various factors, including their immune status, vaccination history, and risk of exposure to measles, mumps, and rubella.
- According to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations 2, adults at high risk for exposure and transmission, such as healthcare personnel and international travelers, should receive two doses of MMR vaccine.
- However, there is no specific recommendation for a booster dose for adults who have already received two doses of MMR vaccine.
- A study on the safety of MMR vaccines in adults found that adverse events were reported by 25.2% of participants, but none were severe 3.
- Another study on the immunogenicity and safety of MMR vaccine in immunocompromised children found that vaccination can be carried out under immunosuppressive therapy in selected patients without relevant side effects 4.
Risk Factors and Considerations
- Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, may require additional doses of MMR vaccine or have specific vaccination recommendations 2.
- The risk of mumps outbreaks and the need for a third dose of MMR vaccine may be considered for groups of persons determined by public health authorities to be at increased risk for acquiring mumps 5.
- The effectiveness of MMR vaccine in preventing measles, mumps, and rubella has been demonstrated in various studies, with vaccine effectiveness ranging from 72% to 96% depending on the disease and number of doses administered 6.
Vaccination Recommendations
- The ACIP recommends 2 doses of MMR vaccine routinely for children, with the first dose administered at age 12 through 15 months and the second dose administered at age 4 through 6 years before school entry 2.
- Adults who have not received two doses of MMR vaccine or have uncertain vaccination status should receive one or two doses of MMR vaccine, depending on their risk factors and immune status.
- The decision to administer a MMR booster to a 55-year-old individual should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account their individual risk factors, vaccination history, and medical conditions, and in consultation with a healthcare professional.