Measles is a highly-contagious disease prevented with a two-dose immunization called MMR vaccine. MMR stands for the three diseases immunized—measles, mumps and rubella.
Am I protected against measles?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers you protected from measles if one of the following is true:
- You were born before 1957 (the CDC assumes you were exposed at an early age)
- You received two doses of measles-containing vaccine, and you are
- A K-12 school-aged child
- An adult who will be in a setting with high risk for measles transmission, including students at higher education institutions, healthcare personnel, and international travelers.
- You received one dose of measles-containing vaccine, and you are
- A preschool-aged child
- An adult who will not be in a high-risk setting for measles transmission.
- A laboratory confirmed that you had measles at some point in your life or confirmed that you are immune to measles.
If you are unsure about your immunity
You should first try to find your vaccination records or documentation of measles immunity. Anyone who is unsure if they have received the MMR vaccine should contact their primary care provider to confirm vaccine history. If you do not have documentation of measles immunity, you should get vaccinated with MMR vaccine.
Another option is to have a doctor test your blood to determine whether you’re immune. This will take two doctor’s visits and is likely to cost more than immunization.
There is no harm in getting another dose of MMR vaccine if you may already be immune to measles (or mumps or rubella). The MMR vaccine is very safe. Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97 percent effective at preventing measles; one dose is about 93 percent effective.
To make an appointment at Sindecuse Health Center for an MMR vaccine, visit our online patient portal.