Chloe Ramirez
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is a highly effective tool for preventing measles infection, which is one of the most contagious diseases in existence. While the risk of widespread measles in the U.S. remains low, scattered infections have been reported, mainly in international travellers. The CDC recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine for children, with the first dose at 12-15 months and the second at 4-6 years. Adults should also be up to date with 1 or 2 doses of the MMR vaccine, depending on their risk factors and immunity status. People born before 1957 are presumed to have immunity, while those born after 1957 should receive at least one MMR shot if they lack immunity or vaccination evidence.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| People born before 1957 | Presumed to have immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella |
| People born after 1957 | Should get at least one MMR shot if they have never had measles or been vaccinated |
| People at high risk of exposure | Should receive two MMR shots at least 28 days apart |
| Children | Should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, the first at 12-15 months and the second at 4-6 years |
| Adults | Should receive 1 or 2 doses of the MMR vaccine depending on risk factors and immunity status |
| International travellers | Should be fully vaccinated before travelling |
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What You'll Learn
Two MMR shots are considered full immunization for life
The CDC recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine as the best way to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella. The two MMR shots given to children are considered full immunization for life, and no additional vaccination is needed. The first dose is typically administered when a child is between 12 and 15 months old, and the second dose when they are 4 to 6 years old. The two doses should be separated by at least 28 days.
People born before 1957 are considered to have "presumptive evidence" of immunity, as nearly everyone born during this period contracted measles during childhood. Surveys suggest that 95% to 98% of those born before 1957 are immune to measles. However, healthcare workers born before 1957 who do not have proof of immunity should consider getting the vaccine. Older children, adolescents, and adults born after 1957 should get at least one MMR shot if they have never had measles or been vaccinated (or are unsure).
Among these individuals, certain groups should get two MMR shots at least 28 days apart. This includes people at high risk of exposure, such as students at post-secondary institutions, international travelers, and healthcare workers. During a measles outbreak, healthcare facilities should recommend two doses of the MMR vaccine for unvaccinated healthcare personnel, regardless of birth year, if they lack laboratory evidence of measles immunity.
While the risk of widespread measles in the US remains low, scattered infections have been reported, usually in people who have traveled internationally. The CDC advises that all Americans should be up to date on their MMR vaccines, as it is the most important tool for preventing measles infection.
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People born before 1957 are presumed to have immunity
However, it is still recommended that adults born before 1957 who lack laboratory evidence of immunity or laboratory confirmation of disease receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, with a minimum interval of 28 days between doses. This is especially important for healthcare workers, who are at high risk of exposure to measles.
In Canada, adults born before 1970 are generally presumed to have acquired natural immunity to measles. However, susceptible healthcare workers, travellers to destinations outside of Canada, and military personnel should receive the MMR vaccine, regardless of their year of birth.
In the United States, the CDC recommends that all Americans be up to date on their MMR vaccines. While the risk of widespread measles in the US remains low, scattered infections have been reported, usually in people who have travelled internationally. The CDC recommends that adults born after 1957 receive at least one MMR shot if they have never had measles or been vaccinated for measles (or are unsure). Certain groups, including people at high risk of exposure such as students at post-secondary institutions, should get two MMR shots at least 28 days apart.
Overall, while people born before 1957 are generally presumed to have immunity to measles, there may be circumstances in which they may need to receive the MMR vaccine, especially if they are in close contact with immunocompromised individuals or are travelling internationally.
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MMR vaccines are necessary for international travel
The necessity of two MMR vaccines for individuals born after 1957 depends on various factors, including their current age, occupation, and immune status. Generally, individuals born after 1957 are recommended to receive at least one MMR shot if they haven't had measles or received the vaccination previously.
Now, regarding international travel, the CDC recommends that all individuals aged six months and older, who lack presumptive evidence of immunity against measles, mumps, and rubella, should be vaccinated before travelling outside the United States. This is because measles is still prevalent in many countries, and unvaccinated travellers can inadvertently bring measles back to their home country, contributing to its spread.
Infants aged six to eleven months should receive one dose of the MMR vaccine before international travel. They should then receive two additional doses after their first birthday, following the routine schedule. For individuals aged twelve months and older, two doses of the measles-containing vaccine are recommended, separated by at least 28 days, unless they have presumptive evidence of immunity.
It is worth noting that the MMR vaccine is highly effective in preventing measles, mumps, and rubella. Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide 97% protection against measles, while one dose offers 93% protection. Therefore, it is strongly advised to be fully vaccinated before embarking on international travel to protect yourself and your community.
Additionally, it is recommended to plan and receive the MMR vaccine at least two weeks before departure. However, even if your trip is less than two weeks away, it is still advised to get the MMR vaccine to ensure some level of protection.
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MMR vaccine recommendations during a measles outbreak
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases and can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children. The best protection against measles is the MMR vaccine. The CDC recommends two doses of measles-containing vaccine routinely for children, with the first dose at 12 through 15 months and the second dose at 4 through 6 years. Children can receive the second dose earlier than 4 to 6 years, as long as it is at least 28 days after the first dose.
During a measles outbreak, health departments may provide additional recommendations to protect their communities. The at-risk population is defined by local and state health departments and depends on the epidemiology of the outbreak. In addition to the routine recommendations for MMR vaccine, health departments may recommend a second dose for adults or an earlier second dose for children 1 to 4 years of age who are residing in or visiting the affected areas, with the second dose given at least 28 days after the first dose. If there is ongoing community-wide transmission affecting young infants, health departments may recommend an early dose for infants 6 to 11 months of age.
If you live in or will be travelling to an area where an outbreak is occurring, talk to your pediatrician about whether your young child should receive a dose of the MMR vaccine outside of the recommended schedule. This can also include children who have received their first recommended MMR dose but are not yet at the recommended age for their second dose.
In communities where outbreaks are occurring, local health departments may also offer MMR vaccination clinics to help boost protection. Check with your local or state health department for more information.
In summary, during a measles outbreak, health departments will provide recommendations based on the specific circumstances of the outbreak. This may include recommending a second dose for adults or an earlier second dose for children in the affected areas. For those living in or travelling to outbreak areas, it is important to consult with healthcare providers about receiving the MMR vaccine, especially for young children. Local health departments can provide guidance and may offer vaccination clinics during outbreaks.
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MMR vaccine recommendations for healthcare workers
The MMR vaccine is essential for protecting against measles, mumps, and rubella. While most people have immunity either through immunization or previous infection, it is still critical to ensure that vaccinations are up to date, especially for certain high-risk groups.
Healthcare personnel are specifically identified as a high-risk group by the CDC, and it is recommended that they receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, separated by at least 28 days. This recommendation applies to healthcare workers without presumptive evidence of immunity or laboratory confirmation of immunity/disease.
Those born before 1957 are generally considered to have presumptive evidence of immunity, as measles was widespread during childhood at the time. However, it is still advised that healthcare workers born before 1957 who lack laboratory evidence of immunity or disease should consider getting two doses of the MMR vaccine.
During a measles outbreak in a healthcare facility or an area served by a healthcare facility, two doses of the MMR vaccine are recommended for all healthcare personnel, regardless of their birth year, if they lack presumptive evidence of measles immunity.
It is important to note that the MMR vaccine is not mandatory and that contraindications and precautions may dictate circumstances where the vaccine is not administered. Individuals should consult their healthcare providers for specific recommendations and to determine their vaccination status.
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Frequently asked questions
People born after 1957 should get at least one MMR shot if they have never had measles or been vaccinated for measles (or are unsure). Those who are at high risk of exposure to measles, such as international travellers, healthcare workers, and students, should receive 2 doses of the MMR vaccine.
Surveys suggest that 95% to 98% of those born before 1957 are immune to measles as they likely contracted the disease during childhood before the first measles vaccine was licensed in 1963.
The two MMR vaccine doses should be separated by at least 28 days or four weeks.
Children may get 2 doses of the MMRV vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox).
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases and can be dangerous in babies and young children.
