For those vaccinated for measles decades ago, protections may now be exhausted.
In the present Measles outbreak In western Texas, incidents have also been reported in New Mexico, New Jersey and several other states, so some doctors have warned about the possibility that legacy vaccines may become less effective over time.
Measles is very expensive Infectious virus For those who have not had a previous infection or been vaccinated, there is a possibility of up to 90% of infection.
Measles cases continue to spread across multiple states after the death of a child
The measles vaccine was first introduced in 1968. Three years later, in 1971, the MMR vaccine debuted, offering three parts of protection against measles, mumps and rubella.
Some doctors have warned about the possibility that legacy vaccines may become less effective over time. (istock)
Decades after the release of the MMR vaccine, in 2000 it was declared that measles had been removed in the United States.
“The standard recommendation from health authorities like the CDC is a two-dose series of MMR vaccines,” Dr. Nicole Saphier, a contributor to Fox News Medical, told Fox News Digital.
“For most people, these two doses are offered Lifelong immunity – Approximately 97% effectiveness against measles. ”
Who needs another vaccine?
The question of whether someone should get another Measles vaccine According to Saffier, who practices in New York, it depends on several factors, including the history of vaccination, age and health.
“If you’re an adult who got both doses as a child, you’re probably fine unless boosters are considered by high-risk groups (such as healthcare workers or travelers to outbreak areas),” she said.
“Adults who were vaccinated for measles between 1963 and 1968 should check the history of vaccinations.”
Doctors say people born before 1957 are likely to have natural immunity, as they are likely exposed to measles before the vaccine became available.
“Adults who were vaccinated for measles between 1963 and 1968 need to check the history of the vaccine to determine which vaccine they received,” advised Saphier.
Measles outbreaks in Texas continue to worsen in children
“In the meantime, the vaccine version using inactivation Virus Form It wasn’t that effective and it turns out to have been retracted in the end.”
Research shows that antibody levels can decline over decades, but actual cases of measles in fully vaccinated people remain rare, Saffie added.
Research shows that antibody levels can decline over decades, but actual cases of measles in fully vaccinated people remain rare. (istock)
“Hard data doesn’t mean people need a third shot on a daily basis, but if you’re worried, you can check your antibody levels with a blood test,” she said.
“Like everything about medicine, vaccinations have rare risks and there is a substantial risk of not getting vaccinated.”
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Each person’s situation is different and after a thorough conversation with a trusted medical team, Saffie added.
Dr. Marc Siegel, professor of clinical medicine at Nyu Langone Medical Center and contributor to Fox News Medical, highlighted the importance of measles vaccinations.
The measles vaccine was first introduced in 1968. Three years later, in 1971, the MMR vaccine debuted, offering three parts of protection against measles, mumps and rubella. (istock)
For those traveling to areas where measles outbreaks occur, he says they Meet the doctor For measles “titer tests”, get a booster if immunity is not shown. (The Fiter test measures an individual’s immune level against the virus.)
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“This isn’t an official proposal yet, but I check the titers of measles in many patients. If they are low, I might give them a booster as a precaution,” Siegel said.
MMR is a live viral vaccine and cannot be administered to Pregnant woman Or immunocompromised people, doctors pointed out.
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So far, in 2025, a total of 164 cases of measles have been reported in the United States, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The majority of them (140) are in Texas. Nine cases have been reported in New Mexico, with the rest in California, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey and Rhode Island.
