From the Research
Elderly individuals without evidence of immunity should receive at least one dose of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine, especially during outbreaks or before international travel to areas with measles circulation. Measles vaccination is generally not routinely recommended for elderly individuals who were born before 1957, as they are presumed to have natural immunity from prior infection. However, for those without evidence of immunity, the MMR vaccine is safe and effective in preventing measles, which can cause severe complications in older adults, including pneumonia and encephalitis 1. The standard MMR dose is 0.5 mL administered subcutaneously, and blood testing can confirm immunity status before vaccination for elderly patients without documentation of immunity. Side effects are typically mild and may include soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, or mild rash. It's essential to note that the vaccine is not recommended for those with severely compromised immune systems, pregnancy, or severe allergies to vaccine components. Natural immunity from childhood infection is generally lifelong, but vaccination provides protection for those without prior exposure. A systematic review and meta-analysis of immunogenicity and safety of the MMRV vaccine in healthy children found that the vaccine had comparable immunogenicity and overall safety profiles to MMR + V/MMR 2. However, this information is not directly applicable to the elderly population, and the decision to vaccinate should be made on a case-by-case basis, considering the individual's risk factors and medical history. In general, the benefits of vaccination in preventing severe complications from measles outweigh the risks, and vaccination is recommended for elderly individuals without evidence of immunity, especially in outbreak situations or before international travel.