Most people don’t need a measles booster, but those with uncertain vaccination history or higher risk should check with their healthcare provider to stay protected.
Outbreaks of measles in parts of the country with a focus on West Texas have captured a lot of attention in recent weeks. News coverage included reporting on the tragic death of a child in West Texas from measles. This is a far cry from when measles was declared ‘eliminated’ in the United States in 2000. The measles vaccine is a safe and effective tool that helped us get to that point — and lapses in its coverage are responsible for the current resurgence.
A question many people are asking is: Do I need to get a measles booster? The answer is likely not, but there are some nuances to consider.
Let’s start by understanding the vaccine itself. The measles vaccine is delivered as a combined vaccine called MMR (measles, mumps & rubella). Most of us receive two doses in our early childhood. The first dose is between 12-15 months of age and the second one between 4 to 6 years. The immunity that you acquire from vaccination is lifelong.
If you did not receive the vaccine in that time frame, it is recommended that you get two doses of MMR that are spaced at least 28 days apart.
Am I immune to measles?
Review these guidelines from the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to determine if you need a measles booster:
- If you were born before 1957, you are presumed to be immune to measles. That said, if you are in this category and are at higher risk, such as being a healthcare worker, you should consider getting a dose of the vaccine.
- If you were born between 1963 and 1967, it is possible that you received an early version of the vaccine that can be less effective. If you are unsure about this history, you should consider getting a dose of the vaccine.
- If you got exposed to measles and are unsure of your vaccination status, it is recommended to get a dose of the vaccine as it has been shown to prevent infection or make it milder following an exposure.
It is worth pointing out that there is a blood test that can determine whether you have immunity to measles. This can be useful for age groups where no specific guidelines are provided or when a medical history is unclear — particularly among people at higher risk like healthcare workers.
To sum up, we have a very effective vaccine that can be used to protect yourself from measles. While it is quite likely that you are already adequately vaccinated, you should discuss with your healthcare provider to make sure you are up to date on it!
Close vaccine gaps at scale
Keeping MMR vaccinations and other immunizations up to date helps to protect schools, communities, and other large groups from vaccine-preventable disease. Primary.Health can help you quickly and easily turn local venues into clinics for administering vaccinations or other diagnostic tests. Contact us today to learn about our accessible and affordable solutions for keeping populations healthy.
Disclaimer: This blog content and linked materials are not intended as individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and should not be considered as such. Any readers with medical concerns should contact a licensed healthcare provider. This blog is provided for informational purposes only.
