From the Guidelines
Elderly adults who never had measles immunization should get vaccinated now, as the risk of measles complications increases with age. According to the recommended adult immunization schedule [ 1 ], adults born in 1957 or later should have documentation of 1 or more doses of MMR vaccine unless they have a medical contraindication to the vaccine, or laboratory evidence of immunity to each of the 3 diseases.
Key Considerations
- The measles component of the MMR vaccine is crucial for elderly adults, as measles can cause serious complications in this age group, including pneumonia and encephalitis [ 1 ].
- A routine second dose of MMR vaccine, administered a minimum of 28 days after the first dose, is recommended for adults who are at high risk of exposure, such as healthcare workers or international travelers [ 1 ].
- Before vaccination, elderly adults should consult with their healthcare provider to review their medical history and ensure there are no contraindications, such as severe immunocompromising conditions or allergies to vaccine components.
Benefits of Vaccination
- Getting vaccinated not only protects the individual but also contributes to community immunity, helping protect those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons [ 1 ].
- The vaccine is generally safe for older adults, with mild side effects possibly including soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, or mild rash [ 1 ].
From the Research
Measles Vaccination for Elderly Adults
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 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, 2 doses of MMR vaccine are recommended for those at high risk for exposure and transmission, and 1 dose for other adults aged ≥18 years 2.
- There is no specific recommendation for elderly adults who have never had measles immunization, but the CDC recommends that adults born in 1957 or later who have not been vaccinated or have not had measles should receive 1 dose of MMR vaccine 2.
- A study published in 2021 found that the MMR vaccine was well tolerated and immunogenic in all age groups studied, including adults 3.
- Another study published in 2017 found that measles post-exposure prophylaxis using MMR vaccine or immune globulin was effective in preventing measles in contacts of measles cases 4.
Safety and Immunogenicity of MMR Vaccine
- The MMR vaccine has been found to be safe and immunogenic in numerous studies, with common adverse events including transient injection site pain and fever 3, 5.
- A study published in 2002 found that a second dose of MMR vaccine was necessary to eliminate measles, as a large proportion of pre-school children had measles and mumps IgG antibody below the putative level of protection after receiving a first dose of MMR vaccine 5.
- A randomized controlled trial protocol published in 2025 aims to compare measles antibody responses and safety after intradermal and aerosol administration of MMR with intramuscular administration in previously vaccinated young adults 6.
Recommendations for Elderly Adults
- Based on the available evidence, it is recommended that elderly adults who have never had measles immunization should receive 1 dose of MMR vaccine, as recommended by the CDC 2.
- However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action, as individual circumstances may vary.