Is a measles booster shot necessary?

Question:
With all of the concern about the measles outbreak, I am concerned about the longevity of the measles vaccine. My daughter did receive her childhood vaccinations, but it is necessasry or advisable for her to get a booster now that she is 25 and has had MS for over 15 years ?

Answer:
A 25 year old who previously received the standard 2 doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine or 1 dose of the MMR and a 2nd dose of measles vaccine alone will not require a booster as an adult. If you have any doubts about your vaccination history it is easy to get tested for your immunity against measles (a blood test). 

Some individuals vaccinated in the early 1960s received an older, less effective inactivated measles vaccine. Most of these individuals later received the live attenuated MMR vaccine. Again, if you are concerned that you may be one of these people it is easy to get tested or simply get the two doses of the live attenuated measles vaccine

Lastly, people born before 1957 do not require vaccination. Because of the repeated epidemics prior to vaccine availability, all of these individuals are immune.

Revere (Rip) Kinkel MD
Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Program
Professor of Clinical Neurosciences
University of California San Diego