From the Guidelines
Adult measles vaccination provides significant protection against measles infection with minimal risks, and the MMR vaccine is recommended for adults born after 1957 who lack evidence of immunity, with one or two doses depending on risk factors. The vaccine is highly effective, providing about 97% protection after two doses 1. Benefits include preventing measles infection, which can cause serious complications like pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death in adults, as well as preventing transmission to vulnerable populations. The vaccine also contributes to maintaining herd immunity in communities. Risks of vaccination are generally minor and include temporary side effects such as soreness at the injection site, fever, mild rash, and temporary joint pain. Serious adverse reactions are extremely rare, occurring in less than one in a million doses. The vaccine is contraindicated in pregnant women, severely immunocompromised individuals, and those with severe allergies to vaccine components. For most adults, the substantial protection against measles and its complications far outweighs the minimal risks associated with vaccination.
Key Points
- The MMR vaccine is recommended for adults born after 1957 who lack evidence of immunity.
- The vaccine is highly effective, providing about 97% protection after two doses.
- Benefits include preventing measles infection and its complications, as well as maintaining herd immunity.
- Risks of vaccination are generally minor and include temporary side effects.
- Serious adverse reactions are extremely rare.
- The vaccine is contraindicated in pregnant women, severely immunocompromised individuals, and those with severe allergies to vaccine components.
Recommendations
- Adults born after 1957 who lack evidence of immunity should receive one or two doses of MMR vaccine, depending on risk factors.
- Adults who are at increased risk for exposure to and transmission of measles, mumps, and rubella, such as international travelers, college students, and healthcare workers, should receive special consideration for vaccination.
- Women of childbearing age should be considered susceptible to rubella unless they have received at least one dose of MMR or other live rubella virus vaccine on or after the first birthday or have serologic evidence of immunity.
From the Research
Benefits of Adult Measles Vaccination
- The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for adults at high risk for exposure and transmission, such as students, healthcare personnel, and international travelers 2
- Two doses of MMR vaccine are recommended for adults at high risk, and one dose for other adults aged 18 years and older 2
- Measles vaccination has been shown to be effective in preventing measles, with a effectiveness of 83.4% for MMR post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) 3
- Immune globulin (IG) PEP has also been shown to be effective, with a effectiveness of 100% in preventing measles 3
Risks of Adult Measles Vaccination
- High doses of immune globulin (> 10 mg/kg) may inhibit the antibody response to measles for more than 3 months 4
- Passively acquired antibody may interfere with the active antibody response to live viral vaccines such as measles and rubella 4
- False negative ELISA results may be obtained in individuals with low levels of neutralizing antibody, highlighting the importance of using multiple testing methods to confirm immunity 5
Special Considerations
- Individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection should receive two doses of MMR vaccine, with the second dose given at least 4 weeks after the first dose 2
- Pregnant women without evidence of measles immunity who are exposed to measles should receive immune globulin administered intravenously (IGIV) as post-exposure prophylaxis 2
- Infants aged birth to 6 months exposed to measles should receive IGIM as post-exposure prophylaxis 2