MIT Health is closely monitoring the measles outbreaks in other parts of the United States.
We are in steady communication with the Massachusetts and Cambridge Departments of Public Health about the spread of the disease. For now, there are no recommended actions for residents within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. We will inform the community if there are any changes.
Below are answers to frequently asked questions about the measles outbreak. If you have any questions not answered in this document, you should contact your primary care provider directly.
- Should I be worried about the measles outbreak I have heard about in the news?
- Do I need a measles booster?
- Where should I go to get vaccinated or receive a measles booster?
- Should I worry if my child is unable to be vaccinated yet?
- My child has not been vaccinated yet and I need to travel. What should I do?
- I’m still worried. Should I get a blood test to assess my immunity?
Should I be worried about the measles outbreak I have heard about in the news?
As long as you are vaccinated, you are almost certainly fine. The measles vaccine is incredibly effective. Nearly all adults in the United States have been vaccinated, and Massachusetts requires all students to be immunized for measles as well.
Do I need a measles booster?
Maybe. It depends upon when you were born and if you were already immunized.
Born before 1957:
No. You were most certainly already exposed to measles
Vaccinated between 1957–1967:
Yes. The vaccines used during this time period are not considered effective. You should get a measles booster vaccine, unless you received a booster after 1967 for other reasons.
Vaccinated between 1968–1989:
Probably not. Your vaccine is almost certainly effective. If you received one dose of vaccine, you are protected at about a 93 percent level. Two immunizations protect at about a 97 percent level. If you aren’t sure how many vaccines you received, or you are worried about your immunity, you should speak with your primary care provider.
Vaccinated after 1989
No. If you received two doses, as has been the standard since 1989, you are considered immunized.
Where should I go to get vaccinated or receive a measles booster?
Reach out to your personal primary care provider. Large pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens can also provide measles vaccinations.
Should I worry if my child is unable to be vaccinated yet?
No, but you should take some precautions. Your child should avoid areas with known outbreaks. If you have questions, you should speak with your child’s health care provider.
My child has not been vaccinated yet and I need to travel. What should I do?
The best advice is to avoid international travel or travel to a location with a known outbreak until your child can be immunized. Speak with your child’s health care provider to find out when they are scheduled to receive a measles vaccine. Most children receive their first measles vaccine (most commonly an MMR vaccine, which also includes immunization for mumps and rubella) on or shortly after their first birthday.
With regards to getting a first vaccine earlier, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants that are traveling internationally or to a location with a known outbreak of measles and who are “aged 6 through 11 months should receive one dose of MMR vaccine before departure, ideally at least two weeks prior to travel.” However, the group also notes that, “doses received prior to the first birthday do not count toward the recommended two-dose series.”
I’m still worried. Should I get a blood test to assess my immunity?
No. These tests are not always accurate — it is very possible to have a lower reading on a titer test despite being completely immune. Also, blood tests are costly and may not be covered by insurance.
In most cases, it is simpler (and cheaper!) to get a booster vaccine. Again, if you already had two doses of vaccine, you are considered protected. If you have any concerns, consult your primary care provider for advice.