The MMR measles vaccine is safe and highly effective. Adults who received the vaccine as a child are protected and do not need a booster. Those born before 1957 likely had measles and do not need a booster. About 5% of adults born between 1963 – 1967 could have received a different measles vaccine that used an inactivated virus and was less effective. Adults who received the inactivated vaccine should get an MMR booster. If unsure of vaccine records, talk to your healthcare provider about the best recommendation for your situation.

Only adults who were born between 1957-1967 need to check if they received the inactive or live vaccine. People who have documentation of receiving LIVE measles vaccine in the 1960s do not need to be revaccinated.

If you are an adult born in this timeframe, and do not know which vaccine you received and do not have access to vaccine records, the CDC recommends getting a booster. Getting a booster shot even if you already had the live vaccine will not do any harm.

If you were born between 1968 and 1989, you likely only received one dose of the vaccine, instead of the two that are standard today. For most people this is enough, however for those at higher risk or who live with people who are higher risk, a booster shot may be recommended. People born in this time period should talk to their healthcare provider to determine if a booster is necessary for them.

Adults born before 1957 are assumed to be naturally immune, and do not need a booster.

Titers, or checking if someone has antibodies to measles, are expensive and generally not recommended to determine vaccine status.

Public health officials are monitoring the current measles outbreak to determine spread.