Measles has been making an unwelcome comeback in theU.S.
And should I think about getting a booster vaccine shot?
As of the 2023-2024 school year, roughly 93% of school-age children in the U.S. havereceivedtheir MMR shots.
Even a single shot of the MMR vaccine provides substantial protection against measles, but two doses are standard.© SamaraHeisz5 via Shutterstock
Hence the recent outbreaks.
But there are certain situations in which you might want or need a catch-up vaccination.
It was pulled by 1967but some people who got it are still around today.
Its also worth noting that Americans born between 1968 and 1989 received only one shot of the MMR vaccine.
Even a single shot is highly effectiveabout 93%so most people in this scenario are well protected.
But the CDCdoes recommendthat adults at higher risk for measles exposure get their second shot if they havent already.
RFK Jr.s Measles Cure?
Sometimes, a fully vaccinated person, exposed to measles during an outbreak, will get sick.
Thankfully, waning immunity isnt a major individual concern.
Studies have estimated that somewhere between0.22%and0.04%of the vaccines effectiveness declines yearly.
Your doctor might run a blood test to check for measles antibodiesor even proactively recommend an MMR dose.
Thats why its so critical that we get very high immunization levels in our communities.
Measles is no jokeits highly contagious and can be dangerous especially for kids and people who cant get vaccinated.
News from the future, delivered to your present.
