From the Guidelines
A measles booster is generally not needed for most adults who received the standard two doses of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine as children, as the two-dose series provides long-lasting immunity for most people. However, certain groups should consider a measles booster: adults born before 1957 who lack evidence of immunity, healthcare workers, international travelers to high-risk areas, and people in outbreak settings. For those who need it, the booster consists of one dose of the MMR vaccine, which is the same formulation given to children 1.
Key Considerations
- The measles component of the MMR vaccine is highly effective, with about 97% of people developing immunity after two doses.
- Side effects are typically mild and may include soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, and mild rash.
- There are no special preparations needed before receiving the vaccine, though people with severely compromised immune systems, pregnant women, or those with severe allergies to vaccine components should consult their healthcare provider first.
Vaccine Administration
- The routinely recommended ages for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella vaccination continue to be age 12–15 months for the first dose and age 4–6 years for the second dose 1.
- For the second dose of measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccines at any age (15 months–12 years) and for the first dose at age ≥48 months, use of MMRV vaccine generally is preferred over separate injections of its equivalent component vaccines 1.
Special Populations
- A personal or family (i.e., sibling or parent) history of seizures of any etiology is a precaution for MMRV vaccination, and children with such a history generally should be vaccinated with MMR vaccine and varicella vaccine 1.
- Certain groups, such as healthcare workers, international travelers to high-risk areas, and people in outbreak settings, may need a measles booster, which consists of one dose of the MMR vaccine 1.
From the Research
Measles Booster
- The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends 2 doses of MMR vaccine routinely for children, with the first dose administered at age 12 through 15 months and the second dose administered at age 4 through 6 years before school entry 2.
- For adults at high risk for exposure and transmission, 2 doses of MMR vaccine are recommended, while 1 dose is recommended for other adults aged ≥18 years 2.
- A 10-year follow-up study found that 1 or 2 doses of MMR-containing vaccines given to children in their second year of life induced antibody responses against measles, mumps, and rubella viruses that persisted at least up to 10 years post-vaccination 3.
- The study also found that a second dose of MMR vaccine later in life had a minor and transient effect on anti-measles and anti-rubella waning titers, but had a boosting effect on anti-mumps antibody titers and seropositivity rates 3.
- Another study found that vaccine effectiveness in preventing measles was 95% after one dose and 96% after two doses, while effectiveness in preventing mumps was 72% after one dose and 86% after two doses 4.
- The same study found that there is evidence supporting an association between MMR vaccines and febrile seizures, as well as idiopathic thrombocytopaenic purpura, but no evidence supporting an association with encephalitis, encephalopathy, or autistic spectrum disorders 4.
Vaccine Effectiveness and Safety
- The effectiveness of MMR vaccine in preventing clinical measles and mumps has been estimated to be at least 95% and between 69% and 81%, respectively 5.
- The vaccine has been found to be safe, with the highest risk of association with aseptic meningitis observed within the third week after immunisation with Urabe-containing MMR 5.
- Febrile seizures and thrombocytopenic purpura have also been found to be associated with MMR vaccine, but the risk is considered to be low 5.
- The evidence suggests that the MMR vaccine is effective and safe for use in children, and that the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks 4, 5.