Should I receive a measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine?

From the Guidelines

You should receive the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine unless you have specific contraindications, as the most recent evidence from 2022 suggests that the vaccine is safe, immunogenic, and effective in preventing measles, mumps, and rubella 1. As a 62-year-old internal medicine physician with a measles IgG level less than 13.5, you lack evidence of immunity to measles. Given your profession as a healthcare worker, you are at higher risk for exposure to measles, mumps, and rubella, and vaccination is crucial to protect not only yourself but also your patients and the community. The MMR vaccine is highly effective, providing about 97% protection against measles and rubella and 88% protection against mumps after two doses, and is recommended for all adults born in 1957 or later who lack evidence of immunity 1. Additionally, the 2022 recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) support the use of the PRIORIX vaccine as an option for MMR vaccination, which is safe, immunogenic, and noninferior to the existing M-M-R II vaccine 1. Therefore, getting vaccinated with the MMR vaccine is a crucial step in protecting yourself and your community from measles, mumps, and rubella, and is recommended unless you have specific contraindications. Some key points to consider include:

• The vaccine is contraindicated for pregnant women, people with severe immunodeficiency, and those with severe allergies to vaccine components.
• Certain groups, such as college students, healthcare workers, and international travelers, should ensure they have two documented doses of the MMR vaccine.
• The vaccine works by introducing weakened versions of the viruses that stimulate your immune system to develop protective antibodies without causing the diseases.
• Getting vaccinated not only protects you but also contributes to community immunity, helping protect vulnerable individuals who cannot be vaccinated.

From the FDA Drug Label

The FDA drug label does not answer the question.

From the Research

Measles Vaccination Recommendations

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults born in 1957 or later who have not been vaccinated or have not had measles should receive two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, separated by at least 28 days 2.
• However, the provided studies do not specifically address the scenario of an adult with a measles IgG level less than 13.5 who was vaccinated as a child and served in the USMC.
• A study published in 2011 discusses the importance of vaccines for adults, including the MMR vaccine, and recommends two doses for all adults who do not have immunization or contraindications 2.
• Another study published in 2005 evaluates the safety and immunogenicity of a quadrivalent measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccine in healthy children, but does not provide direct guidance for adults with low measles IgG levels 3.

Vaccine Effectiveness and Safety

• A 2020 review of 138 studies on MMR vaccines found that the vaccine is effective in preventing measles, mumps, and rubella, with a low risk of adverse effects 4.
• The review found that the vaccine effectiveness in preventing measles was 95% after one dose and 96% after two doses, with a low risk of febrile seizures and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) 4.
• A 2003 study found that the MMR vaccine did not increase the risk of hospitalization with invasive bacterial infection in the three months after vaccination, and actually provided a protective effect 5.
• A 1997 study evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of a live, attenuated combination vaccine for measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) in children, and found that the vaccine was generally well-tolerated and effective in inducing immunity to all four viruses 6.

Considerations for Adults with Low Measles IgG Levels

• While the provided studies do not specifically address the scenario of an adult with a low measles IgG level, they suggest that the MMR vaccine is safe and effective in preventing measles, mumps, and rubella.
• Adults with low measles IgG levels who were vaccinated as children and have no contraindications may consider receiving an MMR vaccine booster to ensure adequate immunity 2.