From the Guidelines
Adults who have received two doses of the measles vaccine (MMR) generally do not need a booster shot, but those at higher risk, such as healthcare workers, international travelers, or during outbreaks, may require a second dose separated by at least 28 days. The CDC recommends that adults born in 1957 or later who don't have evidence of immunity should get at least one dose of the MMR vaccine 1. Evidence of immunity includes documentation of adequate vaccination (one or more doses of MMR vaccine for adults depending on risk factors), laboratory evidence of immunity, laboratory confirmation of disease, or birth before 1957.
Key Points to Consider
- The MMR vaccine contains live attenuated viruses and provides long-lasting immunity, with studies showing that protection against measles persists for decades after vaccination 1.
- Side effects are generally mild and may include soreness at the injection site, fever, or mild rash.
- The vaccine should not be given to pregnant women or severely immunocompromised individuals.
- If you're unsure about your vaccination status, a blood test can check for immunity, or receiving an additional dose is safe if records cannot be located.
Special Considerations
- 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 1.
- Persons vaccinated before 1979 with either killed mumps vaccine or mumps vaccine of unknown type who are at high risk for mumps infection (e.g., persons who are working in a health-care facility) should be considered for revaccination with 2 doses of MMR vaccine 1.
From the Research
MMR Vaccine Booster Recommendations for Adults
- The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend 2 documented doses of the MMR vaccine for adequate measles, mumps, and rubella immunity for all children and most adults 2.
- For adults at high risk for exposure and transmission (e.g., students attending colleges or other post-high school educational institutions, healthcare personnel, and international travelers), 2 doses of MMR vaccine are recommended 2.
- For other adults aged ≥18 years, 1 dose of MMR vaccine is recommended 2.
- A third dose of MMR vaccine may be administered for various reasons, and data on long-term immunity are limited 3.
- Approximately 5 and 9-11 years after receipt of the third dose, measles geometric mean concentrations (GMCs) were 428 mIU/mL and 381 mIU/mL, respectively, and rubella GMCs were stable throughout the follow-up period 3.
- Eleven years after receiving a third MMR dose, measles and rubella neutralizing antibody levels remained high in adults, but some adults may become susceptible to measles infection over time despite receipt of 3 vaccine doses 3.
Special Considerations
- For persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, vaccination recommendations have been expanded to all persons aged ≥12 months with HIV infection who do not have evidence of current severe immunosuppression 2.
- For prevention of rubella, 1 dose of MMR vaccine is recommended for persons aged ≥12 months 2.
- Serologic testing may be used to determine measles, mumps, and rubella immunity, especially in instances where individuals are asked to provide serologic proof of immunity for educational or employment purposes 4.