From the Research
No, you don't need to repeat the entire measles vaccine series as an adult if your titers show non-immunity, you only need to receive one dose of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. For adults with no evidence of immunity, the CDC recommends a single dose of MMR vaccine, which is typically sufficient to provide protection 1. The MMR vaccine contains live attenuated viruses and is highly effective, with about 95% of people developing immunity after one dose. If you're in a high-risk setting (like healthcare work) or during an outbreak, a second dose may be recommended, separated by at least 28 days from the first dose. Some studies have shown that a third dose of the MMR vaccine can induce significant changes in the T-cell compartment, which may be important for regulating MMR vaccine-induced immune responses 2. However, the current evidence suggests that a single dose of MMR vaccine is sufficient for most adults with no evidence of immunity. The vaccine works by stimulating your immune system to produce antibodies against the measles virus without causing the disease itself. After vaccination, it takes about two weeks to develop immunity. Side effects are usually mild and may include soreness at the injection site, fever, or a mild rash. It's worth noting that the effectiveness of MMR vaccine has been demonstrated in various studies, including one that showed an effectiveness of 83.4% for MMR post-exposure prophylaxis 3. Overall, receiving one dose of MMR vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella, and is recommended for adults with no evidence of immunity.
Some key points to consider:
- The MMR vaccine is highly effective, with about 95% of people developing immunity after one dose.
- A single dose of MMR vaccine is typically sufficient to provide protection for adults with no evidence of immunity.
- A second dose may be recommended for high-risk settings or during an outbreak.
- The vaccine works by stimulating your immune system to produce antibodies against the measles virus without causing the disease itself.
- Side effects are usually mild and may include soreness at the injection site, fever, or a mild rash.
It's always best to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.