Although measles was declared “eliminated” in the United States in 2000, it never completely disappeared. In 2025, the country has seen Three explosions It has been (the CDC defines it as three or more cases) and the virus continues to spread.
As of the end of February, there were more than 160 cases in Alaska, California, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, New York City, Rhode Island and Texas A death in Texas (A school-age child who was not vaccinated). The highest concentration of this outbreak was in Texas, with more than 100 cases in the state alone.
Due to the increased risk of this higher measles, some people are now wondering if their vaccine is working to protect them from this infectious virus — and whether they need another vaccination on a lens that may have been obtained. This is what the experts say.
What is measles?
Measles is a highly contagious virus with many symptoms to be aware of – most famously rashes and fevers. Department of Disease Control. The virus spreads through the air and once infected, measles will attack your respiratory tract. this Cleveland Clinic It is pointed out that there is no cure for measles, and measles only requires “running”. However, its best protection is the measles vaccine, which is usually given to the baby in the form of MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccines.
Measles usually manifests as a “very specific rash” that “starts from the face and spreads to the body.” Dr. Yoshua QuinonesBoard-certified physician and contributor by the Medical Office in Manhattan LabFinder. Other common side symptoms to note include “high fever, cough, runny nose, watery or red eyes”.
“Occasionally, you may see small white spots in your mouth. These are called Koplik spots,” Quinns added.
Although measles can and can make anyone sick, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that this is particularly dangerous for children under the age of 5. This is because children have undeveloped immune systems and are at a higher risk of illness, making them vulnerable – even more so if they are not vaccinated.
What is a measles vaccine?
Measles vaccines protect people from measles. It is called MMR because it is combined with a vaccine for mumps (a Infectious viral infection affects salivary glands) and rubella (another infectious virus infection, usually Start with a red rash). You may also see MMRV, which includes vaccines for chickenpox or chickenpox.
“The vaccine is a live virus that introduces a very weak form of measles so your body can practice fighting,” Quinonnis said. “This will prepare your immune system for your immune system to fight measles.”
One dose is usually taken in infancy and a second dose is taken after a few years. Vaccination is especially important for children because of their weaker immune systems. That’s why it is recommended to use both doses before going to school, where they will be exposed to more children (and more bacteria).
Who deserves a measles vaccine?
Measles vaccines are usually given to all children. According to the vaccine, the first vaccine is usually between 12 and 15 months and the second vaccine is between 4 and 6 years old before the child goes to school. Department of Disease Control. However, ages will vary as long as the dose is properly spaced.
Vaccines can also be given to adults who have never been vaccinated before, although they usually receive only one dose. this Department of Disease Control Adults working in the healthcare field or those traveling internationally are advised to be separated by at least 28 days apart.
Should you get measles if you have already been vaccinated?
Despite the ongoing measles outbreak, there may not be a need to get an additional measles vaccine – unless you are not fully vaccinated.
“If someone is fully vaccinated with measles (two doses) and no major immune ammunition condition (e.g., organ transplant), then their immunity is sufficient without further dose,” Dr. Amesh A. Adalja, MD, FACP, FACP, FACP, FACP, FACP, FACP, FIDSA, Senior Scholar AT Johns Hopkins Center for Health Safety.
The first measles vaccine dose is usually given to infants and young children and the second dose is given in childhood. If a second dose is never given, someone may be at a higher risk of measles and, in fact, will now benefit from another measles vaccine.
recent Report It is pointed out that some people were initially vaccinated in the 1970s and 1980s and may need a new vaccine because the original vaccine has disappeared. This may be because they have only taken one dose since then and the vaccine has evolved and may not be captured in some people’s medical records.
“If you already have a full range, you don’t need an extra dose; however, I highly recommend that you have any questions, check the titer.” “Extra shots never add extra protection because you are well protected.” According to Mount Sinai, the antibody titer test measures antibody levels in blood samples to see what vaccines you may need.
Ask your primary care doctor to check your vaccination status to see if your MMR vaccination is up to date and see if you need a booster. If it’s newest and you’re not immune to low dysfunction, you probably don’t need extra shots. this Department of Disease Control It is also noted that adults who have received a dose and have “evidence of immunization” – evidence of vaccination or immunization – do not need to obtain another.
Who shouldn’t get a measles vaccine?
Although measles vaccines are generally considered safe, some people are advised to avoid them. Quinns advises pregnant women not to receive vaccines. It is also recommended to wait at least one month after delivery before getting vaccinated.
this Department of Disease Control It is also recommended that people who have an allergic reaction to the first MMR vaccine stop it when they get a second dose. Additionally, people with any “severe, life-threatening” allergies should consult a doctor before getting vaccinated, as this may not be safe.
Those with weakened immune systems should also consult a doctor about the vaccine, especially due to illness or medical treatment. This can also cause shooting problems if the family runs in the home.
Vaccines may also be associated with recent blood transfusions, so it is not recommended to obtain MMR or MMRV within at least three months of getting blood from someone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you should not get a vaccine if you currently have tuberculosis or bruises or are prone to bleeding.
MMR doses need to be spaced at least within 28 days, and you should not get one of them if you also receive another vaccine within 28 days. It is also important to let your healthcare provider know if you have been ill recently – with any disease – so they can recommend whether to still be vaccinated safely. If you are a parent who brings your child to the vaccination, advise your doctor whether you are sick or exhibit any previous symptoms of concern.
Is the measles vaccine safe?
According to medical experts and UNDCP, The measles vaccine is safe and effective. Some minor side effects may occur after shooting, but are usually small and disappear quickly.
“A few days after the injection, the measles vaccine may cause fever, chills and muscle soreness,” Adalja said.
Quinns also pointed out that after the shot, it is possible that he would feel “sourier” at the injection site.
In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that it is possible to see some swelling on the cheeks or neck, and in rare cases, bleeding disorders will eventually resolve themselves. In more severe cases, an allergic reaction to this vaccine may be caused, which requires a call to 911 immediately, especially if you have difficulty breathing, swelling or dizziness.
The CDC also reported a small link between the MMR vaccine and febrile seizures, but it is “rare” and has nothing to do with “long-term effects.” However, the organization advises parents to vaccinate their children as early as possible to reduce the chances of this.
The CDC also put forward the idea that any possibility that vaccines have been associated with autism and are related to each other on the grounds of experts and research. “There is no link between autism and vaccines containing thimerosal as a preservative,” the CDC said.
Does health insurance cover measles vaccine?
Typically, all health insurance market plans and private insurance plans offer MMR vaccines (as well as other common vaccines) without charging delivery or co-insurance, as long as you are a provider within the network. Department of Disease Control. Medicare may also cover vaccines, both in Part B and Part D, and Medicaid may also cover vaccines, but it is best to have a close check with your medical facility and make sure to use Medicare or Medicaid to double check.
Military benefits may also vary by coverage, but the MMR vaccine is likely to be covered as the CDC recommends covering it on the board.
Bottom line
Despite the outbreak currently happening in the United States, people do not need to get a measles vaccine if they have received enough vaccinations. However, a doctor advises you to contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions about the efficacy of the vaccination you receive and to determine if a booster is needed. If so, experts make it clear that the measles vaccine is safe and will protect you from the virus.
