From the Guidelines
Most adults who were previously vaccinated with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine do not need a booster, but certain groups such as healthcare workers, international travelers, and students in post-secondary educational settings may require an additional dose. The MMR vaccine provides long-lasting protection against measles, mumps, and rubella, and adults born before 1957 are generally considered immune due to natural exposure 1. However, certain adults may need an MMR booster in specific situations, such as:
- Healthcare workers
- International travelers to areas with high disease prevalence
- Students in post-secondary educational settings
- People who received the killed measles vaccine (available from 1963-1967) or an unknown type of measles vaccine during that period If you're unsure about your vaccination status, a blood test can check your immunity, or you can simply get an MMR dose as there's no harm in receiving an extra dose if you're already immune 1. It's essential to note that the MMR vaccine works by stimulating your immune system to produce antibodies against these viruses without causing the actual diseases, providing long-lasting protection. Key points to consider:
- Adults born in 1957 or later should have documentation of 1 or more doses of MMR vaccine unless they have a medical contraindication to the vaccine, laboratory evidence of immunity to each of the 3 diseases, or documentation of provider-diagnosed measles or mumps disease 1
- A routine second dose of MMR vaccine, administered a minimum of 28 days after the first dose, is recommended for adults who are students in postsecondary educational institutions, work in a health-care facility, or plan to travel internationally 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 1
From the Research
Background on MMR Vaccine Booster Dose
- The Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is a crucial component of public health strategies to prevent the spread of these diseases 2.
- Studies have investigated the need for a booster dose of the MMR vaccine in adults who were previously vaccinated.
Evidence on Booster Dose Necessity
- A 2013 report by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends 2 doses of MMR vaccine for children and adults at high risk for exposure and transmission, but does not specify a booster dose for all adults 2.
- A 2024 study found that neutralizing antibody levels against measles and rubella remained high in adults 11 years after receiving a third MMR dose, but some adults may become susceptible to measles infection over time 3.
- Another study published in 2020 investigated the effects of a third dose of MMR vaccine in young adults and found that it increased antibody levels that may protect against mumps virus infection for longer than previously assumed 4.
- Earlier studies, such as one from 2002, have shown that a second dose of MMR vaccine is necessary to achieve adequate immunity against measles and mumps 5.
- A 2019 study examined the durability of immune responses to measles and mumps following MMR vaccination and found that mumps IgG titers declined significantly over time, while measles-specific immune responses remained relatively stable 6.
Key Findings
- The need for a booster dose of the MMR vaccine in adults is not universally recommended, but may be necessary for certain individuals, such as those at high risk for exposure and transmission 2, 3, 4.
- The durability of immune responses to measles and mumps following MMR vaccination varies, with mumps IgG titers declining over time 5, 6.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the immune responses to MMR vaccination and the potential need for booster doses in different populations 3, 4, 6.