Measels: Who needs to update their vaccine?

This is something that is being asked frequently due to the measles outbreaks we are seeing around the country recently.

It's important to know that the measles vaccine is one of the most effective and long lasting vaccines we have. Two doses are thought to provide lifelong immunity for most people without the need for boosters later in life. Initially one dose was felt to be sufficient but in 1989 the recommendation changed such that the recommendation was changed to a two dose series. The first dose is given at 12 through 15 months of age and the second dose 4 through 6 years of age.

If you do not have your childhood vaccine records, below are the current recommendations.

•Individuals born prior to 1957 - do not need to be vaccinated. The measles vaccine was not available until 1963 and since measles is so contagious that childhood infection was almost universal. It is felt that anyone born prior to 1957 was infected and had immunity from the infection
•Individuals born after 1957 but prior to 1989 - The second dose was not recommended until 1989. Individuals born prior to that date and who have no record of a second dose of the measles vaccine should get revaccinated if they work in the medical field and have direct contact with patient, or if they live in a location where there is a measles outbreak or if they are traveling to a part of the world where measles is more prevalent
•Individuals born after 1989 - These people are most likely are fully vaccinated since measles vaccine is required for school attendance. People who were home schooled and have no record of a vaccine or those wh