From the Guidelines
Adults born in 1957 or later who have not received two doses of the MMR vaccine, or are unsure of their vaccination status, should receive a measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine booster, especially if they work in healthcare, plan to travel internationally, or are students in postsecondary educational institutions. According to the recommended adult immunization schedule, adults born before 1957 are generally considered immune to measles and mumps due to widespread exposure 1. However, for those born after 1957, a booster is recommended if they have only received one dose of the vaccine in the past, are unsure of their vaccination status, work in healthcare, or will be traveling to areas with high measles risk. The following groups are specifically recommended to receive a routine second dose of MMR vaccine:
- Students in postsecondary educational institutions
- Healthcare workers
- Individuals planning to travel internationally Additionally, persons who received inactivated (killed) measles vaccine or measles vaccine of unknown type from 1963 to 1967 should be revaccinated with 2 doses of MMR vaccine 1. It is essential to note that the MMR vaccine is highly effective, with two doses providing about 97% protection against measles, and boosters are crucial in preventing outbreaks, especially in high-risk environments such as healthcare facilities and educational institutions 1.
From the Research
MMR Vaccine Booster Requirements
The following groups of people may require a measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine booster:
- Adults at high risk for exposure and transmission, such as:
- Adults who have not received 2 doses of MMR vaccine, including those who have not received any doses or have only received 1 dose 2
- Persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection who do not have evidence of current severe immunosuppression, and who have not been previously vaccinated or have not received 2 doses of MMR vaccine 2
- Infants aged 6-11 months who will be traveling to an area where measles is common, or who are at high risk for exposure to measles, may receive a dose of MMR vaccine, but this dose is not counted towards the 2-dose series 2
- People who were vaccinated with an inactivated measles vaccine, which was used from 1963 to 1967, should receive 2 doses of MMR vaccine 3
- People who have been previously infected with measles, mumps, or rubella may still require vaccination, as immunity to these diseases can wane over time 4, 3
Special Considerations
- People who have received a blood transfusion or other blood products within the past 3 months should not receive the MMR vaccine, as the antibodies in the blood products may interfere with the vaccine's effectiveness 2
- People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or cancer, may require additional doses of MMR vaccine or may not be able to receive the vaccine at all 2
- Pregnant women who are not immune to rubella should receive the MMR vaccine after delivery, as the vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy 2