Dr. Ezem Favour C. MD and
Dr. Mandong Jagshak MD
In a recent article from the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, pharmacist Kaitlyn R. Rivard addresses a question that many might overlook: Do adults need the measles vaccine?
Even though measles was officially eliminated in the U.S. back in 2000, it’s making a worrying comeback. So far this year, there have already been 935 confirmed cases, which is almost triple the number seen in all of 2024. What’s going on? The short answer: not enough people are getting vaccinated.
A Quick History lesson.
Before vaccines, measles was almost a “normal” part of growing up—millions got it, and thousands were hospitalized from complications like pneumonia and brain infection or died from it each year. But after the vaccine was introduced in the 1960s and made widely available, cases dropped dramatically. By giving kids two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, the U.S. managed to wipe out the disease within its borders.
Why It’s Coming Back
The problem isn’t that the vaccine stopped working—it’s that fewer people are getting it. This drop is due to missed doctor visits during the COVID-19 pandemic and growing vaccine hesitancy in some communities. The measles virus is extremely contagious—if one person has it, 90% of unvaccinated people nearby will catch it. So, even small gaps in vaccination coverage can lead to big outbreaks.
Who Should Get the Vaccine?
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Children should get two doses: one at 12 months, and the second between ages 4–6
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Infants 6 to 11 months should receive 1 dose of MMR vaccine before international travel and then also receive 2 doses after age 12 months (1 dose after 12 months and a second dose at 4 to 6 years).
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Most adults likely already have protection, either from past infection or childhood vaccination. Nearly everyone born before the year 1957 got measles naturally. But if you’re born in 1957 or later or you are a healthcare worker and don’t have proof that you’ve had the vaccine or the disease, you should get at least one dose, or two if you’re at higher risk (like healthcare workers, frequent travelers, living with HIV or in close contact to people with decreased immunity).
If you’re unsure whether you’ve been vaccinated, it’s okay to get another dose—it’s safe and effective.
Is the Vaccine Safe?
Yes. The MMR vaccine has been used for decades and is generally well-tolerated. Some mild side effects can happen, like fever or a brief rash. Serious side effects are very rare. It should not be given to people who are pregnant, individuals who have low immunity, or have had a severe allergic reaction to the vaccine or a component of the vaccine. Kindly contact your doctor or local health provider before receiving the MMR vaccine.
The Bottom Line: Stay Up-to-Date with Immunizations
Vaccinations are a cornerstone of public health, preventing the spread of infectious diseases, protecting communities and experts recommend keeping up-to-date with your vaccination irrespective of your age. Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to protect yourself and those around you from serious illnesses and infection and sometimes, booster shots are needed to ensure you remain protected as diseases evolve.
The recent surge in measles cases is a wake-up call. Vaccines work, and are our best defense. If you’re unsure about your status, talk to your doctor and make sure you are fully protected. Vaccinating yourself and your kids not only protects you, it also helps protect your community, too.
