From the Guidelines
Most adults do not require measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine boosters, but certain groups may need a second dose.
Eligibility for MMR Vaccine Boosters
The following groups are eligible for MMR vaccine boosters:
- Adults born in 1957 or later who have not received two doses of MMR vaccine or do not have laboratory evidence of immunity to each of the three diseases 1
- Students in postsecondary educational institutions, health care workers, and individuals planning to travel internationally should receive a second dose of MMR vaccine, administered a minimum of 28 days after the first dose 1
- Persons who received inactivated (killed) measles vaccine or measles vaccine of unknown type from 1963 to 1967 should be revaccinated with two doses of MMR vaccine 1
- Women of childbearing age who do not have evidence of immunity to rubella should be vaccinated with MMR vaccine 1
Special Considerations
Health care workers born before 1957 who lack laboratory evidence of immunity to measles, mumps, or rubella may be considered for vaccination with one or two doses of MMR vaccine, depending on their risk of occupational exposure 1
Vaccine Administration
The MMR vaccine is administered in two doses, with the second dose given at least 28 days after the first dose 1
Conclusion is not allowed, so the response is ended here.
From the Research
MMR Vaccine Boosters for Adults
- The need for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine boosters in adults is a topic of discussion, with some studies suggesting that a third dose may be necessary to maintain immunity 2, 3.
- A study published in 2021 found that the MMR vaccine is safe for adults, with low rates of adverse events, and no serious adverse events reported 4.
- 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, but sometimes a third dose may be necessary 5.
- A 2011 study recommends that all adults who do not have immunization or contraindications should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, separated by 4 weeks 6.
- Research suggests that a third dose of the MMR vaccine can be effective in preventing mumps transmission, especially when introduced early during an outbreak 2.
- Long-term studies have shown that neutralizing antibody levels against measles and rubella viruses remain high in adults up to 11 years after receipt of a third MMR dose, but some adults may become susceptible to measles infection over time despite receipt of 3 vaccine doses 3.
Key Findings
- Adults who receive a third dose of the MMR vaccine have high neutralizing antibody levels against measles and rubella viruses, but these levels may wane over time 3.
- The MMR vaccine is safe for adults, with low rates of adverse events, and no serious adverse events reported 4.
- A third dose of the MMR vaccine may be necessary to maintain immunity, especially in adults who are at high risk of exposure to measles, mumps, and rubella viruses 2, 5.