Do I need a measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine booster shot as an adult, given my uncertain vaccination history since college and recent outbreaks in my area?

From the Guidelines

You should get an MMR vaccine booster shot as an adult if you're uncertain about your vaccination history and there are measles outbreaks in your area. The standard MMR vaccine consists of two doses, and if you can't verify you've received both, getting a booster is recommended. According to the CDC guidelines 1, adults born after 1957 who don't have evidence of immunity should get at least one dose of the MMR vaccine. Some key points to consider:

• The MMR vaccine is safe for adults, and there's no harm in receiving an additional dose if you've already been fully vaccinated 1.
• The MMR vaccine is highly effective, providing about 97% protection against measles and rubella after two doses, and 88% protection against mumps.
• Measles is extremely contagious and can cause serious complications, so vaccination is particularly important during outbreaks.
• You can get the MMR vaccine at your doctor's office, pharmacy, or local health department, and most insurance plans cover it.
• If you're pregnant or have a severely compromised immune system, you should consult with your healthcare provider before getting vaccinated 1. It's also worth noting that some adults may be at higher risk for complications from measles, such as those with weakened immune systems, and may need to take extra precautions to protect themselves. Overall, getting an MMR vaccine booster shot is a simple and effective way to protect yourself and those around you from measles and other serious diseases.

From the FDA Drug Label

M-M-R II is given as a shot to people one year old or older. The dose of the vaccine is the same for everyone. If your child gets the shot when he or she is one year old or older, a second dose is recommended Often, the second dose is given right before the child goes to elementary school (4 to 6 years of age), but may be given earlier as long as the second dose is at least one month after the first dose.

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE M-M-R II is a vaccine indicated for active immunization for the prevention of measles, mumps, and rubella in individuals 12 months of age and older.

The FDA drug label does not provide information on booster shot recommendations for adults with uncertain vaccination history since college. However, it does indicate that the vaccine is for individuals 12 months of age and older, and a second dose is recommended for children.

• The label does not explicitly address the need for a booster shot as an adult.
• It is recommended to consult a healthcare provider to determine the best course of action regarding measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination 2 2.

From the Research

Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine Booster Shot for Adults

• The need for a measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine booster shot as an adult is a common concern, especially with recent outbreaks in various areas 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
• Studies have shown that the MMR vaccine provides long-term immunity, but the duration of protection can vary depending on several factors, including the individual's immune response and the presence of outbreaks in the community 5, 6.

Immune Response and Booster Shots

• Research has demonstrated that a second dose of the MMR vaccine can provide a boosting effect, increasing antibody levels and providing additional protection against measles, mumps, and rubella 4, 5.
• A study published in 1993 found that a second dose of the MMR vaccine given to 12-year-old children resulted in a moderate rise in antibody titers, providing additional protection against measles 5.
• Another study published in 2021 found that a third dose of the MMR vaccine (MMR3) was safe and tolerable among young adults, with only mild and transient adverse events reported 6.

Recommendations and Guidelines

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults born in 1957 or later should receive at least one dose of the MMR vaccine, unless they have a medical contraindication or laboratory evidence of immunity 3, 4, 7.
• The CDC also recommends that adults who are at increased risk for mumps, such as those working in healthcare or attending college, should receive a second dose of the MMR vaccine 4, 6.
• However, there is limited guidance on the need for booster shots for adults who have already received two doses of the MMR vaccine, highlighting the need for further research and clarification on this topic 3, 5, 7.

Safety and Immunogenicity

• Studies have consistently shown that the MMR vaccine is safe and immunogenic, with high seroconversion rates and minimal adverse events reported 3, 4, 6, 7.
• The combination vaccine for measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) has also been shown to be safe and immunogenic, although the level of antibody titer to varicella virus may be lower compared to the separate varicella vaccine 7.