Checking MMR Immunization Status in a 35-Year-Old
To check for MMR immunization in a 35-year-old, the most reliable methods are documentation of vaccination with at least one dose of MMR vaccine on or after the first birthday, laboratory evidence of immunity, or documentation of physician-diagnosed disease. 1
Acceptable Evidence of Immunity
For adults born in 1957 or later (which includes a 35-year-old), the following are considered acceptable evidence of immunity:
- Documentation of vaccination with at least one dose of measles-, rubella-, and mumps-containing vaccine on or after the first birthday 1
- Laboratory evidence of immunity (serologic testing for IgG antibody) 1, 2
- Documentation of physician-diagnosed measles or mumps (not acceptable for rubella) 1
Recommended Approach
Step 1: Review Vaccination Records
- Check for documentation of MMR vaccination in medical records, immunization registries, or personal vaccination cards 2
- For a 35-year-old (born after 1957), at least one documented dose of MMR vaccine administered on or after the first birthday is required 1
Step 2: If No Documentation is Available
- Perform serologic testing for measles, mumps, and rubella IgG antibodies 1
- Serologic testing is widely available for measles and rubella IgG antibody 1
- A positive result indicates immunity and no further action is needed 1
Step 3: If Serology is Negative or Documentation is Lacking
- Administer MMR vaccine rather than continuing to search for documentation 1
- This is safe even if the person was previously vaccinated or had natural disease 1
- No harm occurs from vaccinating individuals who may already be immune 1
Special Considerations
- For healthcare workers, two doses of MMR vaccine are recommended regardless of birth year 1, 2
- For international travelers, two doses of MMR vaccine are recommended 1
- For women of childbearing age, rubella immunity is particularly important and should be verified 1, 2
Important Caveats
- Physician diagnosis is not acceptable evidence of immunity against rubella 1
- Persons vaccinated with killed-measles-virus vaccine (available 1963-1967) or with a measles vaccine of unknown type should receive two doses of live-measles-virus vaccine 1
- Birth before 1957 generally provides presumptive evidence of measles and mumps immunity, but does not apply to a 35-year-old 1
- During outbreaks, stricter criteria for evidence of immunity may be required 1