Which adults should receive a Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine booster?

From the Guidelines

Adults born in 1957 or later who have not received at least one dose of MMR vaccine, or have no laboratory evidence of immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella, should get an MMR booster, particularly if they are students in postsecondary educational institutions, work in a health care facility, or plan to travel internationally. According to the recommended adult immunization schedule, adults born before 1957 are generally considered immune to measles and mumps 1. However, certain groups, such as healthcare workers, college students, and international travelers, are at higher risk of exposure and should ensure they have received two doses of MMR vaccine, administered at least 28 days apart. Women of childbearing age who are not pregnant and have no evidence of immunity should also be vaccinated 1. The MMR vaccine is contraindicated for pregnant women, severely immunocompromised individuals, and those with severe allergic reactions to vaccine components. Minor side effects may include soreness at the injection site, mild fever, or rash, but serious adverse reactions are rare. Key groups that should receive an MMR booster include:

• Students in postsecondary educational institutions
• Healthcare workers
• International travelers
• Women of childbearing age who are not pregnant and have no evidence of immunity
• Persons who received inactivated (killed) measles vaccine or measles vaccine of unknown type from 1963 to 1967
• Persons vaccinated before 1979 with either killed mumps vaccine or mumps vaccine of unknown type who are at high risk for mumps infection.

From the Research

Adults Who Should Get MMR Booster

The following adults should get an MMR booster:

• Adults at high risk for exposure and transmission, such as:
  • Students attending colleges or other post-high school educational institutions 2
  • Healthcare personnel 2
  • International travelers 2
• Adults born in 1957 or later who have not been vaccinated or have not had the diseases, as they may not have developed immunity 2
• Adults who have been vaccinated but have not developed immunity, as they may need a booster dose 2

Special Considerations

• Adults with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection who do not have evidence of current severe immunosuppression should receive two doses of MMR vaccine, with the first dose administered at age 12 through 15 months and the second dose administered at age 4 through 6 years 2
• Adults who have received immune globulin may need to wait for a certain period before receiving the MMR vaccine, as the immune globulin may interfere with the immune response to the vaccine 3

Evidence of Immunity

• Acceptable evidence of immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella includes:
  • Documentation of two doses of MMR vaccine 2
  • Laboratory confirmation of disease 2
  • Birth before 1957, as people born before this year are likely to have developed immunity to the diseases 2