Measles Outbreaks Are on the Rise. Should You Get Another Measles Vaccine?

Measles was eliminated in the U.S. in 2000 after the measles vaccine became a part of routine childhood vaccinations. But measles outbreaks are becoming more common due to lower measles vaccination rates. Measles is very contagious. Vaccine rates need to be greater than 95% in order for everyone to remain protected through herd immunity.

But only 11 out of 50 U.S. states reached that 95% threshold in 2024. That means many people are at risk of getting caught in a measles outbreak. 

Getting vaccinated against measles can protect you from serious illness. But what if you don’t know or can’t remember if you got vaccinated as a child? And even if you did, should you get another dose? Here’s how to know if it’s time to get a measles vaccine. 

Who should get a measles vaccine?

Experts recommend measles vaccination for most people born after 1957. And in some cases, people born before 1957 should get vaccinated, too. 

Measles vaccines and recommendations for vaccination have changed since the measles vaccine was first introduced in 1963. Today, experts recommend that people receive two doses of the measles vaccine for the best protection against measles.

Measles vaccines for kids

The measles vaccine is part of the childhood immunization schedule. Children usually receive the first dose of the measles vaccine between the ages of 12 and 15 months. They receive a second dose between the ages of 4 and 6 years.

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Children can receive either the MMR vaccine or the MMRV vaccine. The MMR vaccine immunizes against measles, mumps, and rubella. The MMRV vaccine also includes varicella (chickenpox). 

There’s no measles-only vaccine available in the U.S. A combination vaccine like MMR or MMRV is the only option at this time.

Measles vaccines for adults

Experts recommend that adults receive one dose of the MMR vaccine if they were born after 1957 and they:

• Didn’t get vaccinated as children 

• Can’t remember if they were vaccinated as a child

• Don’t have any proof they were vaccinated in the past

• Have a lab test showing they’re not immune to measles

All adults who are at high risk for coming in contact with measles should get two doses of the MMR vaccine if they weren’t vaccinated or have a lab test showing they’re not immune to measles. This includes adults born before 1957. 

You are at higher risk of coming into contact with measles if you:

• Work in healthcare

• Travel internationally

• Work in certain educational settings, like a dorm

Experts also point out that it’s fine to get extra doses of the measles vaccine. Extra doses will not hurt you. Even if it turns out that you were vaccinated as a child, it’s safe to get another dose of the measles vaccine. 

Adults can receive the MMR vaccine, which offers protection against measles, mumps, and rubella. A measles-only vaccine is not available in the U.S.

Who shouldn’t get a measles vaccine?

People who’ve had severe allergic reactions, like anaphylaxis, to MMR or MMRV shouldn’t get another dose. 

Aside from that, the measles vaccine is safe for most people.

But MMR and MMRV are live vaccines. Experts recommend holding off on live vaccines if you are:

• Pregnant

• Have a weakened immune system

• Have active tuberculosis (TB)

• Recently received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) or blood products

• Have certain bleeding disorders

Your healthcare team will let you know when it’s safe for you to get a measles vaccine. 

When should kids get a measles booster?

With outbreaks of measles on the rise, many parents want to know if their child needs a measles booster. The good news is that two doses of the measles vaccine is 97% effective at protecting against measles illness. And this protection doesn’t seem to wear off over time. That means your child doesn’t need a measles booster if they got two doses of MMR or MMRV. 

But there are some situations when a child may need an extra dose of MMR or MMRV. Your child may need an extra dose of the vaccine in the following situations.

They travel internationally

Worldwide measles cases are also on the rise. Experts recommend that babies 6 months and older receive at least one dose of MMR before traveling to any areas with active measles cases. But any dose given before a baby’s first birthday doesn’t “count” toward the two-dose vaccine recommendation. So your child will need additional doses if they get vaccinated early. 

They received a bone marrow transplant

Children who receive bone marrow transplants need to be reimmunized because they lose protection from their childhood vaccinations. Your child will need extra doses of the MMR or MMRV vaccine after their transplant. 

They’re exposed to measles

Your child’s healthcare team may recommend an extra dose of MMR or MMRV if your child is exposed to measles. Getting a dose of the MMR or MMRV vaccine within 72 hours of a measles exposure can help lower the risk of developing measles. 

If you’re living in an outbreak area, your child’s team may recommend early vaccination. This can offer your child extra protection. But keep in mind, your child will need a third dose of the MMR or MMRV vaccine if they’re exposed to measles and receive a dose before their first birthday.

When should adults get a measles booster?

Immunity against measles doesn’t seem to wear off over time. That means you don’t need a booster shot if you’ve already been vaccinated. But there are some situations when adults should consider getting an extra dose of the MMR vaccine. Talk with your healthcare team about getting an extra dose of the MMR vaccine in the following situations.

You travel internationally

You may want to get an extra dose of the MMR vaccine if you’re planning to travel internationally and you’re not sure if you had two doses of the measles vaccine in the past. Measles outbreaks are on the rise worldwide and so is international travel. Measles is very contagious and can spread easily through crowded areas like airports. An extra dose can offer protection. 

You were exposed to measles

An extra dose of the MMR vaccine can prevent measles illness if you’re exposed to measles. Talk with your healthcare team about an extra dose if you live in an outbreak area or work in healthcare and were exposed to measles. You should receive an extra dose of MMR within 72 hours of exposure to measles for the best protection.

You were born between 1963 and 1967

There were two types of measles vaccines available in the U.S. between 1963 and 1967: an inactivated or “killed” vaccine and a live vaccine. The inactivated vaccine wasn’t effective. And during this time, people received only one dose of the measles vaccine. That means some people born between 1963 and 1967 aren’t immune to measles even if they got vaccinated as children. 

Consider getting a dose of MMR if you were born between 1963 and 1967. Even if it turns out you got a dose of the live vaccine as a child, an extra dose will not harm you. And it offers extra protection since you likely received only one dose as a child. 

You were born before 1989 and are at high risk for measles exposure 

Most people born before 1989 received only one dose of the measles vaccine. Consider getting an extra dose of the MMR vaccine if you were born before 1989 and you live in an outbreak area, travel internationally, or work in a healthcare setting. A single dose of the measles vaccine is 93% effective at preventing measles. This is pretty good protection, but a second dose will offer even better protection. 

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Written by:

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.

Reviewed by:

Karla Robinson, MD

Karla Robinson, MD, is a medical editor for GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified family physician with almost 20 years of experience in health through varied clinical, administrative, and educational roles.

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