From the Guidelines
Most adults who received two doses of the MMR vaccine as children do not need a booster shot, as the vaccine provides long-lasting immunity against measles, mumps, and rubella. The CDC considers people who received two doses of the MMR vaccine as children to be protected for life against these diseases 1. However, there are some exceptions where adults should get at least one dose of the MMR vaccine:
- Those born before 1957 who lack evidence of immunity
- Healthcare personnel
- International travelers
- Women planning to become pregnant who don't have evidence of immunity Adults born between 1957 and 1989 may have only received one dose of the vaccine and might consider getting a second dose, especially during outbreaks 1. It's essential to note that the MMR vaccine provides long-lasting immunity because it contains weakened live viruses that stimulate a strong immune response similar to natural infection, but without causing the disease. This creates memory cells that remain in the body for decades, ready to fight off future infections. Key points to consider:
- The MMR vaccine is recommended for adults who are at high risk for mumps infection, such as those working in healthcare facilities or planning to travel internationally 1
- Women of childbearing age should have their rubella immunity determined, and if they are not immune, they should be vaccinated 1
- Healthcare personnel born before 1957 who lack laboratory evidence of measles, mumps, and/or rubella immunity should be considered for vaccination with 2 doses of MMR vaccine 1
From the Research
MMR Vaccine Booster for Adults
- The provided studies do not directly address whether adults need an MMR booster if they had the immunization as a child 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, the studies suggest that the immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella can wane over time, especially if the initial vaccination was given at a young age 5.
- One study found that children who received an early MMR vaccination before 8.5 months of age exhibited a faster antibody decay and lost their protective neutralizing antibody levels over 6 years 5.
- Another study found that a booster dose of MMR vaccine at 12 years of age was effective in restoring antibody levels in children who had received an initial dose at 18 months of age 6.
- The effectiveness of the MMR vaccine in preventing measles, mumps, and rubella is well established, with vaccine effectiveness ranging from 72% to 96% depending on the virus and the number of doses received 4.
- The safety of the MMR vaccine is also well established, with no evidence of an association between MMR immunization and several serious adverse events, including encephalitis, encephalopathy, and autistic spectrum disorders 4.
Key Findings
- The immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella can wane over time, especially if the initial vaccination was given at a young age 5.
- A booster dose of MMR vaccine can be effective in restoring antibody levels in children and adults who have received an initial dose 6.
- The MMR vaccine is effective in preventing measles, mumps, and rubella, with vaccine effectiveness ranging from 72% to 96% depending on the virus and the number of doses received 4.
- The MMR vaccine is safe, with no evidence of an association between MMR immunization and several serious adverse events 4.