From the Guidelines
Most adults born before 1957 don't need a measles booster as they're presumed immune through natural infection, but adults born in 1957 or later should have documentation of at least one dose of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, or laboratory evidence of immunity. Certain high-risk groups need two documented doses, including:
- Healthcare personnel
- International travelers
- Students at post-secondary educational institutions These groups are at a higher risk of exposure to measles and should receive a second dose of MMR vaccine, administered a minimum of 28 days after the first dose, as recommended by the study 1. During outbreaks, people previously vaccinated with one dose may need a second dose. The MMR vaccine is given as a subcutaneous injection, with doses separated by at least 28 days if two are needed. This recommendation exists because those born before widespread vaccination typically acquired natural immunity, while later generations need vaccine protection. The vaccine is highly effective, with about 97% of people developing immunity after two doses, as supported by the study 1. Adults uncertain about their vaccination status should either get vaccinated or have their immunity tested, as receiving extra doses poses minimal risk, according to the study 1.
Some key points to consider:
- Adults 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, as stated in the study 1.
- Persons vaccinated before 1979 with either killed mumps vaccine or mumps vaccine of unknown type who are at high risk for mumps infection should be considered for revaccination with 2 doses of MMR vaccine, as recommended by the study 1.
- For women of childbearing age, regardless of birth year, rubella immunity should be determined, and if there is no evidence of immunity, women who are not pregnant should be vaccinated, according to the study 1.
Overall, the recommendation for measles booster vaccination is based on the individual's risk factors, vaccination history, and laboratory evidence of immunity, as supported by the studies 1.
From the Research
Adults Who Need a Measles Booster
The following groups of adults may need a measles booster:
- Individuals who were vaccinated at a young age, as the immunity may wane over time 2
- Those who were vaccinated with an inactivated or killed-virus vaccine, which may not provide long-term immunity 3
- Adults who have not received a second dose of the measles vaccine, as a single dose may not provide adequate protection 3
- Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, who may not respond well to the vaccine 4, 5
- Pregnant women who are not immune to measles, as they are at higher risk of complications 6
- Healthcare workers and others who are at high risk of exposure to measles, as they may need to ensure they are immune to prevent transmission to others
Special Considerations
- Adults who were born before 1957 are generally considered to be immune to measles, as they likely had the disease as a child 3
- Those who have received a blood transfusion or other immunoglobulin products may have temporary immunity to measles, but this does not replace the need for vaccination 6
- Adults who are traveling to areas where measles is common may need to ensure they are immune to measles before traveling 5