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HOUSTON – At the news of a measles outbreak in the Houston area, many of you asked if adults needed the measles vaccine or a booster. The simple answer is: it depends.
According to the CDC, if you receive the two standard doses of MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) after 1967, you are protected for life from measles.
Adults who have received a dose of MMR are also considered to be protected for life, except in an environment at high risk of measles transmission, including:
Students in post-secondary educational institutions
Personal health
International travelers
There is a gray area for vaccinated adults between 1963 and 1967. At that time, doctors were using a killed virus vaccine. Doctors later discovered that the version of the killed virus was not as effective. Many children who have received this version have subsequently received the MMR version and should get some out of it. If you do not know where you are, consult your doctor.
According to the CDC, anyone born before 1957 should be protected because they have probably been exposed to at least two major measles outbreaks, which gives them immunity.
If you have ever had measles, you will never have them again.
If you still have concerns about getting measles, talk to your doctor. A blood test is available to check your level of immunity against antibodies to fight against measles. Non-immunized adults should receive two doses of MMR separated by at least 28 days.
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Measles is caused by a virus, the morbillivirus, which is transmitted mainly by coughing and sneezing and is recognizable by its well-known rash, which covers most of the body. The virus is extremely contagious: on average, 90% of …
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