rubeola used to be one of the most rough-cut infectious disease in the world . With the introduction of a morbilli vaccine in the 1960s , its incidence plump — but it did n’t melt entirely . Arecent outbreakin the South Plains and Panhandle regions of Texas uphold to alarm public wellness officials . The number of infected the great unwashed has risen to198as of March 7 , 2025 . Measles is highly contagious because it spread through the air and contaminated surfaces . While people may already be vaccinated , some may profit from the extra protection of a booster shot .
Dr. William Schaffner , an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University Medical Center , toldNPRthat those with two doses of the measles vaccinum have a high chance ( over 95 percentage ) of being totally protected for life . Most baby born after 1989receivedthe current two - Lucy in the sky with diamonds regimen . The rubeola vaccinum is have a go at it as theMMR vaccinebecause it also protects against epidemic parotitis and rubella .
For those born prior to 1989 , the state of affairs is slightly more complicated because vaccination recommendation have evolve over the years . Adults born before 1957 are assumed to be immune to measles because it was so vulgar before the vaccine was developed in the ’ sixty . Adults who were vaccinated between 1957 and 1968 may want to consider revaccination because earlier versions of the measles vaccinum number from a beat ( inactivated ) virus , which were n’t as effective as belated vaccines made from a live attenuated ( weakened ) computer virus .
If You Were …
expert Say …
Born before 1957
You most likely have immunity to morbilli because the disease was so coarse prior to the 1960s
vaccinate between 1957 and 1968
You might consider getting revaccinated with today ’s impregnable STD of the measles vaccine
immunise between 1968 and 1989
You likely have lifetime exemption , but may desire a morbilli vaccine booster if you are in a mellow - risk radical
Never vaccinated
moot bugger off the stock two - shot morbilli vaccinum to protect yourself and screw ones from preventable unwellness
Not sure of your vaccination condition
Your doctor can do a simple blood test to determine if you ’re immune and/or recommend a booster
People vaccinated between 1968 and 1989 usually got only one dose of the strong vaccinum , which is generally enough for womb-to-tomb exemption . The Texas Health & Human Services ( THHS)websitestates that one dose of the measles vaccine is ordinarily efficient , protecting about 93 pct of people . However , seven percent of people are n’t protected after the first dosage , so a second one is usually recommended . Schaffner said get a shot is fine if you ’re unsure if or when you were last vaccinated .
The computer virus is consort with cough , congestion , febricity , and rashes , but other serioussymptomsinclude encephalitis ( brain swelling ) , diarrhea , and pneumonia . One of the most vulnerable populations is children . About one out of 1000 measles - infected kids will educate cephalitis that can conduce to hearing loss , intellectual disabilities , or expiry . accord to NPR , adults who run to be in mellow - risk berth ( e.g. , living in college dorms , forge nearly with immunocompromised citizenry , or traveling internationally ) should consider get a booster . Additionally , unvaccinated adults older than 20 who declaration measles are more potential to have knottiness from the virus .
Be sure to verbalize with a healthcare provider about the measles , epidemic parotitis , and three-day measles ( MMR ) vaccinum before occupy any stair to protect yourself and your loved ones .
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