Who needs a measles booster shot?
The vast majority of people who get two doses of the measles vaccine are protected for life and do not need a booster shot, Schaffner says.
But some people should consider getting re-vaccinated, even if they’ve gotten some form of the vaccine, he says. Those of highest priority are under-vaccinated adults — in other words, those who received only one dose or a less effective early version of the MMR vaccine — who are planning to travel to countries where there are active measles outbreaks, such as Israel, Ukraine and the Philippines; live near active outbreaks in the U.S., such as those in New York, New Jersey, Michigan, California, Maryland and Georgia; or work in health care, Schaffner says.
“If anybody falls into those categories and they are concerned, the response is very simple,” he says. “Go to your health care provider, including a pharmacy, roll up your sleeves and get a dose of MMR.”