Do you need a measles vaccine booster?

The US measles cases in 2025 have risen to 800 and three deaths, as of Apr. 18, affecting 25 jurisdictions, including Texas, New York, and New Mexico, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed. 10 outbreaks have been reported this year alone, with Gaines County, Texas, being the epicenter. The majority of the infected were unvaccinated. Measles was declared eliminated from the United States in 2000, however, the rising skepticism around vaccination is observed as a key reason for the outbreaks.

“The best way to protect against measles is to get the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine,” the CDC confirms.

As the once-eliminated highly contagious virus has clawed its way back, it prompts a pressing question for adults: Is it time to roll up your sleeve for a measles booster?

Do you need a measles vaccine booster?

Measles is a highly contagious virus that begins with flu-like symptoms and a red rash. In severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia, brain inflammation, blindness, and death, especially among young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. With three deaths - two children and one adult, recorded so far, the importance of vaccination cannot be stressed enough.

Health agencies and public health experts are urging the public to get vaccinated to curb the spread. Though being vaccinated does not completely take away the risk of contracting the virus, it surely offers some protection and reduces the severity in case of infection. One dose of the MMR vaccine is 93% effective against measles, while two doses are 97% effective against the virus.

With measles cases on the rise, some of the vaccinated are even considering a booster shot to boost the protection. How to know if you need a booster shot?


“Being vaccinated is the best way to prevent getting sick with measles or spreading it to other people. The vaccine is safe and helps your body fight off the virus,” the World Health Organization (WHO) confirms.

Whether you need a measles vaccine booster depends on your age, vaccination history, and risk factors. The measles vaccine, typically given as the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) shot, is highly effective and provides lifelong immunity in most cases.
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Most people do not need a measles booster if they received two documented MMR shots as children. Typically, the first shot of the vaccine is given between 12 and 15 months of age, and the second when they are 4 to 6 years old.

The CDC suggests looking at your vaccination records, and if you don't have written documentation of the MMR vaccine, you should get vaccinated, especially if you have plans to travel internationally. "The MMR vaccine is safe. There's no harm in getting another dose if you may already be immune to measles, mumps, or rubella," the agency says.

Who does not need the measles vaccine booster?

According to the CDC, the following groups don’t require revaccination:

• If you received a measles vaccine in the 1960s
• People who have documentation of receiving the LIVE measles vaccine in the 1960s.

Who requires the measles vaccine booster?

People vaccinated prior to 1968 with either the inactivated (killed) measles vaccine or the measles vaccine of unknown type. Such individuals should get ‘at least 1 dose of live attenuated measles vaccine’. This is to protect those who may have received the ‘killed measles vaccine’. This vaccine was available from 1963 to 1967 and was ‘not effective’. People who are in the high-risk category, including healthcare workers, those with a compromised immune system, or those living in a community with low vaccination rates, can go for a booster dose.