From the Guidelines
The MMR vaccine is not routinely recommended for elderly individuals unless they lack evidence of immunity, and most adults born before 1957 are presumed to be naturally immune to measles, mumps, and rubella through prior infection. However, if an elderly person has no documentation of MMR vaccination, no laboratory evidence of immunity, or no history of these diseases, they should receive at least one dose of the MMR vaccine, as recommended by the study 1. This is particularly important for those at higher risk of exposure, such as healthcare workers, international travelers, or during outbreaks. The standard adult dose is a single 0.5 mL subcutaneous injection. The vaccine is generally safe for older adults, though those who are severely immunocompromised, pregnant, or have had severe allergic reactions to previous doses should not receive it, as stated in the study 1. Some key points to consider when administering the MMR vaccine to elderly individuals include:
- Adults born before 1957 are generally considered immune to measles and mumps, as noted in the study 1
- A routine second dose of MMR vaccine is recommended for adults who are students in postsecondary educational institutions, work in a health care facility, or plan to travel internationally, as recommended in the study 1
- 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, as stated in the study 1 Protection against these diseases is important even in older adults because these infections can cause serious complications, especially in those with weakened immune systems or other health conditions common in the elderly. It is essential to weigh the risks and benefits of vaccination for each individual, considering their medical history, current health status, and potential exposure to measles, mumps, and rubella, as emphasized in the study 1.
From the Research
MMR Vaccine Recommendation in the Elderly Population
- The MMR vaccine is not specifically recommended for the elderly population in the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Study 4 evaluates the efficacy, immunogenicity, and safety of M-M-R II among persons ≥7 years of age, but does not provide a specific age recommendation for the elderly population.
- Study 6 discusses vaccination indications and limits in the elderly, but only recommends influenza, pneumococcal, herpes zoster, and tetanus toxoid vaccines for people over 60 years of age, without mentioning the MMR vaccine.
- There is no direct evidence to support a specific age recommendation for the MMR vaccine in the elderly population 2, 3, 5.
Immunization Schedules and Vaccine Effectiveness
- Study 4 reports seroconversion rates after one dose of M-M-R II in individuals ≥7 years of age, with rates ranging from 96%-100% (measles), 65%-100% (mumps), and 91%-100% (rubella) 4.
- Study 5 assesses the effectiveness of the trivalent MMR vaccine in preventing measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella in children, but does not provide information on the elderly population 5.
- Study 6 emphasizes the importance of lifelong vaccination schedules to achieve herd immunity, but does not specifically address the MMR vaccine in the elderly population 6.