Are any seniors getting measles booster shots?

OneEyedDiva said:
I didn't know seniors needed measles booster shots. I had measles when I was a child and German measles during the last two weeks of my sophomore year in high school, so missed the end of that semester. I don't intend to get any boosters (except tetanus, at some point).
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I got a booster shot since I was born in 1957. Here are the guidelines...

1. Born Before 1957 (Generally Immune)
If you were born before 1957, you are presumed to be immune because measles was so widespread that almost everyone was naturally infected as a child. You generally do not need a vaccine unless you are a healthcare worker with no proof of immunity.
Yale Medicine +2

2. Born Between 1957 and 1968 (Potential Need)
This group is the most likely to require a new dose because:
  • Ineffective Early Vaccines: From 1963 to 1967, some people received a "killed" (inactivated) version of the vaccine that does not provide long-term protection.
  • Recommendation: If you were vaccinated during this window and aren't sure if you received the "live" version, the CDC recommends getting at least one dose of the modern MMR vaccine.
3. Seniors in High-Risk Situations
Regardless of age, a booster or second dose may be necessary if you:
  • Travel Internationally: Many countries still have high measles rates. Travelers should ensure they have two documented doses.
  • Work in Healthcare: Medical environments carry a higher risk of exposure, requiring more stringent proof of immunity.
  • Are in an Outbreak Area: If measles is spreading in your local community, health officials may recommend a booster.
 
Measles cases in the U.S. have reached their highest levels in decades. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the country has already confirmed 982 cases in the first two months of 2026. This rapid surge is more than four times the case count seen at this point in 2025, a year that ended with 2,281 total cases—the most reported since 1991.

Major Hotspots and Outbreaks
Most current cases (89%) are linked to ongoing outbreaks, many of which began in late 2025.
  • South Carolina : Home to the largest single outbreak in a generation, centered primarily in the Upstate region. The state has reported 973 total cases in its 2025–26 outbreak as of late February.
  • Other High-Case States (2026): Significant activity is also reported in
    Utah (117 cases) and
    Florida (64 cases).
  • Geographic Spread: In 2026 alone, 26 jurisdictions have already reported confirmed cases.
Key Statistics
  • Vaccination Status: Approximately 94% of 2026 cases occurred in individuals who were unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status.
  • Demographics: The virus is hitting younger populations hardest; 84% of cases this year have been in children and young adults under age 20.
  • Severity: Hospitalization rates are currently around 4%, though they were higher (11%) during the 2025 peak.
    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | CDC (.gov) +3
Health officials attribute this surge to falling childhood vaccination rates, which have dropped below the 95% threshold required for "herd immunity" in many communities.
 
Ramble tamble gave good info about which adults are likely to need a measles vaccine

However on an individual level it is easy to find out via serology - a blood test will show your titre levels and therefore whether you still have immunity (from either vaccine or natural diseases)

I was born in 1963 - I have had blood tests which show immunity to measles - therefore I did not get a booster.
 
January said:
Ramble tamble gave good info about which adults are likely to need a measles vaccine

However on an individual level it is easy to find out via serology - a blood test will show your titre levels and therefore whether you still have immunity (from either vaccine or natural diseases)

I was born in 1963 - I have had blood tests which show immunity to measles - therefore I did not get a booster.
Click to expand...
This is good info- thank you for posting it!

However, re: the info RT posted; I was born IN 1957, the latter part of the year actually, but had a bad case of 'old-fashioned' measles when I was 5 years old.
Info I later learned was the vaccine wasn't available til more than a year later.
 
RambleTamble said:
I got a booster shot since I was born in 1957. Here are the guidelines...

1. Born Before 1957 (Generally Immune)
If you were born before 1957, you are presumed to be immune because measles was so widespread that almost everyone was naturally infected as a child. You generally do not need a vaccine unless you are a healthcare worker with no proof of immunity.
Yale Medicine +2

2. Born Between 1957 and 1968 (Potential Need)
This group is the most likely to require a new dose because:
  • Ineffective Early Vaccines: From 1963 to 1967, some people received a "killed" (inactivated) version of the vaccine that does not provide long-term protection.
  • Recommendation: If you were vaccinated during this window and aren't sure if you received the "live" version, the CDC recommends getting at least one dose of the modern MMR vaccine.
3. Seniors in High-Risk Situations
Regardless of age, a booster or second dose may be necessary if you:
  • Travel Internationally: Many countries still have high measles rates. Travelers should ensure they have two documented doses.
  • Work in Healthcare: Medical environments carry a higher risk of exposure, requiring more stringent proof of immunity.
  • Are in an Outbreak Area: If measles is spreading in your local community, health officials may recommend a booster.
Click to expand...
Thank you so much for taking the time to find and post this information for me RT. 🤗 Looks like I'm good.
 
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