Brady Collins
The MMR vaccine is highly effective in preventing measles, mumps, and rubella. While most people who have received the MMR vaccine are protected for life, immunity against mumps may wane over time. Two doses of the MMR vaccine, administered at least 28 days apart, are recommended for optimal protection. However, a small percentage of people may not develop immunity after the first dose, and a second dose provides another opportunity to establish immunity. Individuals born before 1957 are presumed to have natural immunity to measles due to likely exposure before vaccines became available. Additionally, those vaccinated between 1963 and 1968 should verify their vaccination history, as a less effective inactivated vaccine was also in use during that period.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of doses required | 2 doses, given on or after the first birthday and separated by at least 28 days |
| Effectiveness | MMR vaccines usually protect people for life against measles and rubella; immunity against mumps may decrease over time |
| Revaccination | People vaccinated with an inactivated measles vaccine between 1963 and 1968 should get at least 1 dose of live attenuated measles vaccine |
| Contraindications | People with a history of severe allergic reaction, severe immunosuppression, recent blood transfusion, tuberculosis, recent vaccination, or illness |
| At-risk populations | Infants, people with medical conditions, international travellers, healthcare workers, students |
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What You'll Learn
What if I can't find my vaccination records?
If you can't find your MMR vaccination records, the first step is not to panic. Vaccination records can be difficult and time-consuming to find, and it's not unusual for people to misplace them. Here are some steps you can take to locate or replace your records:
- Try to recall if you have ever seen your vaccination records. They may be with other important documents or in a safe place. If you think you might have seen them before, try retracing your steps and checking those locations again.
- Contact your parents or other caregivers. They may have records of your childhood immunizations, especially if they kept baby books or other documents from your early childhood.
- Reach out to your high school and/or college health services. They may have records of any immunizations you received during your time as a student.
- Check with previous employers, including the military, if applicable. Certain jobs may have required immunizations, and employers may have kept those records.
- Contact your doctor or public health clinic. Vaccination records are typically maintained at the doctor's office for a limited number of years, so they may have your records if you've seen them recently.
- Get in touch with your state's health department. Some states have registries, known as Immunization Information Systems, that include adult vaccines.
- Consider signing up for a service like MyIR Mobile, which allows you to view and print your immunization information.
- Request your complete immunization record from your health care provider, clinic, or local pharmacy.
- If you have children, you can request their complete immunization records from their school, which may include your own records if you were vaccinated as a child.
If all else fails and you still cannot locate your MMR vaccination records, consult your doctor. They can advise you on the best course of action, which may include getting revaccinated. It is generally safe to repeat vaccines, and your doctor can also perform blood tests to check for immunity to certain diseases. Remember to keep your vaccination records up to date and stored safely to prevent this issue from recurring.
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Do I need a measles antibody test?
The CDC recommends that people who do not have evidence of immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella should get vaccinated against these diseases with the MMR vaccine. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are recommended as the best way to protect against measles, and most people who are vaccinated with MMR will be protected for life.
If you are unsure whether you have been vaccinated, you should try to find your vaccination records. If you don't have written documentation of MMR vaccination, you should get vaccinated, especially if you're traveling internationally. There is no harm in getting another dose if you may already be immune to measles, mumps, or rubella.
The CDC does not recommend measles antibody testing after MMR vaccination to verify the patient's immune response to vaccination. Two documented doses of MMR vaccine given on or after the first birthday and separated by at least 28 days is considered proof of measles immunity, according to ACIP. Documentation of appropriate vaccination supersedes the results of serologic testing for measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella.
However, if you do not have lab confirmation of a previous case of measles or documentation of MMR vaccination, you may consider getting a measles antibody test. This is a single blood test that can determine whether you are immune to measles by checking for measles antibodies in your blood. A positive result on an IgG antibody test means you are immune to measles because you had a vaccination or past infection.
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How long does it take to build immunity?
The MMR vaccine is highly effective and provides long-lasting protection. It is a combination of three vaccines in one shot, protecting you from measles, mumps and rubella.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that persons who do not have presumptive evidence of immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella should get vaccinated against these diseases with the MMR vaccine. The ACIP states that two documented doses of the MMR vaccine given on or after the first birthday and separated by at least 28 days are considered proof of measles immunity.
The first dose of the MMR vaccine is typically given to children between 12 and 15 months old, with the second dose administered between 4 and 6 years old. However, the second dose can be administered earlier than the recommended age range, as long as it is at least 28 days after the first dose.
It takes about two weeks to build up to full protection after receiving the MMR vaccine. This protection is long-lasting, and those who develop a protective response to the measles vaccine are believed to be covered for life.
It is worth noting that immunity to mumps may wane over time, and some people may require an additional dose during a mumps outbreak. While two doses of the MMR vaccine are highly effective, a small number of fully vaccinated individuals may still get sick if exposed to these viruses. However, their symptoms are typically milder, and they are less likely to spread the virus to others.
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What are the side effects?
The MMR vaccine is considered very safe and effective at preventing measles, mumps, and rubella. It is much safer to get the vaccine than to contract any of these three infections, which can lead to serious complications, including meningitis, blindness, and hearing loss. If a pregnant person contracts measles, it can cause premature birth, miscarriage, or stillbirth. Rubella can also cause serious problems for the baby, such as damage to their sight and hearing.
Like all medicines, the MMR vaccine can cause side effects, but not everyone experiences them. Common side effects are usually mild and last only 2 to 3 days. These include:
- A raised, blotchy rash (similar to a measles rash)
- Feeling unwell and a high temperature around 7 to 11 days after the vaccination
- Swollen glands around the cheeks, neck, and jaw, and aching joints (similar to a mild form of mumps) around 2 to 3 weeks after the vaccination
More serious side effects, such as a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), are rare but can be life-threatening. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction include hives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, and weakness. If someone experiences these symptoms, the person who vaccinates them will be trained to deal with and treat allergic reactions immediately.
The MMR vaccine has also been linked to a very small risk of febrile seizures, especially in infants. However, these seizures are rare and not associated with any long-term effects.
It is important to note that there is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism, as confirmed by many carefully performed scientific studies and organizations such as the CDC, FDA, UK Department of Health, World Health Organization, and UK medical establishments.
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What if I'm immunocompromised?
Vaccines are not always off-limits for immunocompromised people. However, live vaccines, such as the MMR vaccine, are generally not recommended for immunocompromised individuals because they can cause infection. For example, the CDC states that people with known severe immunodeficiency, such as from hematologic and solid tumors, receipt of chemotherapy, congenital immunodeficiency, or long-term immunosuppressive therapy, should not receive the MMR vaccine.
If you are immunocompromised, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider to determine which vaccines are appropriate for you. Factors to consider include the type of vaccine, your diagnosis, and the type of medications you are taking. It is also worth noting that being up-to-date with recommended vaccines is extra important for immunocompromised individuals because their condition or medical treatments can place them at increased risk of infections that vaccines can help prevent.
In addition, blood tests can measure antibodies to the measles virus, which is helpful for immunocompromised individuals who cannot receive the MMR vaccine. High vaccination rates also protect those unable to be vaccinated, including immunocompromised patients and infants too young to be vaccinated.
For immunocompromised individuals, it is recommended that their household and close contacts receive the MMR vaccine to reduce the risk of infection. This is because people with compromised immune systems are at high risk for severe complications if infected with measles.
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Frequently asked questions
Two documented doses of the MMR vaccine, given on or after the first birthday and 28 days apart, are considered proof of measles immunity. However, immunity against mumps may decrease over time.
If you don't have access to your vaccination records, it is recommended to get another dose of the vaccine. There is no harm in getting an additional dose if you are already immune.
If you were vaccinated between 1963 and 1968, you should check your vaccination history to determine which vaccine you received. A very small proportion of adults may have received a "killed" measles vaccine during this time, which was found to be less effective and not provide long-term immunity. It is recommended that anyone who received this vaccine get at least one dose of the live vaccine.
Yes, there are certain medical conditions and allergies that may prevent someone from receiving the MMR vaccine. These include having a weakened immune system, a history of seizures, or having recently had a blood transfusion. Pregnant women should also not receive the vaccine.
The MMR vaccine is very safe and effective at preventing measles, mumps, and rubella. However, as with any medicine, there may be mild side effects such as a slight fever, rash, or joint pain. These symptoms generally go away within a few days.
