Do YOU Need a Measles Vaccination?

• By: Maureen Carland
• On: 03/06/2025 12:02:19
• In: Quality/Regulatory

Measles can be prevented with MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is about 93% effective. Some people who get two doses of MMR vaccine may still get measles if they are exposed to the virus, however the disease is usually milder, and they are less likely to spread the disease to others.
 
Maine CDC recommends all adults should have proof of immunity to measles. For adults with no evidence of immunity to measles, 1 dose of MMR vaccine is recommended, unless the adult is in a high-risk group (international travelers, health care workers, and college students), in which case 2 doses of MMR vaccine are recommended. Women are advised to not receive any live virus vaccine during pregnancy, including MMR.
 
US CDC recommends that individuals born between 1957 and 1967 check their measles vaccination history. While most people in this age group have some immunity, some may need extra protection. You may need another measles vaccination if:

• You received the inactivated (killed) measles vaccine between 1963 and 1967. This version was ineffective.
  • Get vaccinated with at least one dose of the live, attenuated (weakened) MMR vaccine.
• If you are not sure about your vaccination history or immunity.
  • Get an extra dose of the live attenuated MMR vaccine.
• You are in a high-risk group. This includes health care workers, international travelers, and individuals in outbreak prone areas.
  • Talk to a health care provider to make sure you are fully protected.

 
Staff contact: mcarland@mehca.org