Reply to Measles in Maryland and Virginia--Buckle Up, Buttercup

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[quote=Anonymous]Should You Get a Measles Vaccine Booster?

https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/should-you-get-a-measles-vaccine-booster

Most people won’t need a booster, but you should check your vaccination status to be sure.
The good news is that most people have immunity to measles either through immunization or previous infection, Dr. Roberts says. The two MMR shots given to children is considered full immunization for life, and no additional vaccination is needed.

People born before 1957 are assumed to have immunity as well, because nearly everyone born during this period got the disease during childhood. (But health-care workers born before 1957 who don’t have proof of immunity should consider getting the vaccine.)

Older children, adolescents, and adults who have never been vaccinated for measles or aren’t sure if they have—that is, if they don’t have written documentation or other proof of immunity—should get at least one MMR shot, according to the CDC. Certain groups should get two MMR shots at least 28 days apart. The latter group includes college students, health-care workers, and women of childbearing age before they become pregnant. Anyone 6 months or older who will be traveling internationally should be fully vaccinated before they leave.

Another group at risk for measles is adults who got the vaccine prior to 1968. During that period, many children received an inactivated (killed) measles vaccine that was less effective than the live vaccine that became available later. If they got the inactivated vaccine or aren’t sure, they should be revaccinated with either one MMR shot (if low risk) or two (if high risk), Dr. Roberts says.

The CDC provides more information on how many MMR shots you may need—if you still aren’t sure, you should ask your doctor.

There are a few ways to confirm your vaccination status, including records on paper or in a database. If you don’t have records from your childhood pediatrician, your state may have an Immunization Information System (IIS). The CDC provides more information on locating vaccination records on its website.

Alternatively, you can talk to your medical provider about having an MMR immunity blood test, which can show whether you have antibodies against measles.[/quote]

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