Should adults be having a measles booster?

[listsandbudgets]

I was born in the mid 1970s and had the single jabs (not MMR) I had mumps as a child, in fact I was the ONLY one in my class for a whole week once because everyone else had mumps and I'd already had it. I have never had measles.

In the last 4 weeks 3 friends I was at school with have come down with measles. One was admitted to hospital last night. As far as they know they were all vaccinated.

Are we supposed to be having further boosters or have they just been monumentally unlucky?

No, you don’t need it! Having had the measles or the vaccine provides life long immunity, there have been many studies showing this. I cannot comment on your friends, it is possible they were not vaccinated or didn’t receive the full dose schedule.

Evidence suggests that immunity declines over time, particularly for those who have been vaccinated vs those who actually had measles. After around 15 years, approx 20% of vaccinated individuals (having received the full course) have no measurable immunity, versus around 5% of those who had the disease. So either way, some people would be vulnerable and could catch measles, as your friends have done. At the moment there is no widespread booster for adults, but if anyone thinks they might not have had measles or the vaccination, or is concerned they might be vulnerable, they should talk to their GP as there is a greater risk of infection at the moment. One study is attached for interest, many more are available if you search. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8189124/

I had measles when a kid, I am still immune and I am 54, I know as I had to have a test for starting work in NHS

Also current NHS guidance is for those born between 1970 and 1979 to contact their GP practice as they may need topping up:

You'll be fine.

Measles immunity (via older jabs or MMR) is very durable. So as long as the jab "took" properly, you're covered (and it's a tiny proportion in whom it does not work)

It's whooping cough, and to a certain extent rubella) which are the ones where significant waning occurs

That's not topping up for measles, it's adding coverage for mumps (no vaccine available then) and rubella (only offered to girls, and tends to wear off)

Pre-1970, you're assumed to be immune from all 3 via the diseases themselves

Thanks for this thread, OP. I know that my dd is fully vaccinated but I have been wondering about my vaccination status, and DH's.

I was born in the UK in the 1970s and I'm pretty sure that my parents would have ensured that I had whatever vaccinations I was offered, but they certainly won't remember the details. Can I reasonably assume that I have probably had whatever I need?

Do I need to worry about adding coverage for mumps and rubella??

My dh was born overseas in the 1960s, in a country with less than great healthcare. He had some childhood vaccinations but no records as to what. Should he be approaching the GP to ask about vaccination?

I've been wondering about this too. Born 1959, I've never had measles (I was 14 when I finally got chicken pox).

I've seen reports that a measles vaccination was introduced in the UK in 1968, but no details about which children were offered it at that time.

I'm slightly concerned, as I look after my primary-aged grandchildren. On the other hand, there haven't been any reports in the media of adults getting it that I've seen, so presumably even those like me in my generation that didn't catch it originally are not too susceptible now.

I know I only had 1 dose.

I'm pretty sure I had measles though! When I was 5. On Christmas day! One of my earliest memories of a ruined Christmas day and being v poorly.

Mum mum has messaged me to ask for the 2nd dose (I'm vulnerable) but surely if I've had measles (and mumps) then I'm immune? Despite the lack of full vaccine.

I also pretty sure I've had rubella. The 80s it was normal to have them all at some point.

Having had measles or being vaccinated will give the vast majority of people protection from catching measles.

For a teeny handful of people, well under 3% and often those with immunosuppressive issues, it may be possible to catch measles after being vaccinated. Believe me that number really is teeny and for the very unlucky few it is just a bit wretched for a few days at home. Very occasionally if their are other health concerns they may need to be in hospital.

It is incredibly rare to catch measles after you have previously had measles as it gives almost complete immunity once you have recovered.

I absolutely think we should. Born in ‘72. Vaccinated in ‘73 or ‘74… can’t recall my schedule. Anyway, I was 37 years old and pregnant with DD in 2009 and learned I was no longer immune. My measles vaccinations from childhood ran out of steam. I got a booster after DD’s birth but had to wait out the pregnancy (and I worked in a GP surgery during the time of a small measles outbreak… kids with measles came in. A bit nerve wracking.).

Anyone with no documented evidence of two 'MMR' vaccines can request them, two doses one month apart, whether or not you have had the diseases or have an uncertain vaccination history. There is no upper age limit but it is a live vaccine so contraindicated for some.
Those born before 1970 are 'assumed' to have natural immunity but can still request the jabs.
There is to be a catch up campaign for 1-6 and 16-25 year olds who will be prioritised we have been told today.
No guidance for vaccinating young children 'early' unless close contacts.
Good luck with it, me and my practice nurse colleague have no appointments for a month as it is with routine stuff.
Most people are actually thought to be protected after one dose. The second dose is an attempt to cover those who aren't.

I was one of the 1968 cohort who received the measles vaccine when it was introduced - now wondering if I need a top up 😩

Funnily enough I had my 2 doses of MMR 4 years ago aged 44!

I have worked for the same NHS Trust since I graduated in 1998 but moved jobs to a new directorate and needed to get occupational health clearance for the new post. At the time I thought it was a bit ott but now I’m very pleased!

@listsandbudgets I would check with your GP

I was born before 1970 and haven't so far as I know had measles (ie, I remember having chicken pox aged 5 and my brother having measles when I was 5.5). Checked with my GP and I'm eligible for measles vaccination so I'm booked in for one later this month.

Is this the vaccination that they check for when you're pregnant?
As in there's one that that you had when you were little and when you're pregnant they check if you're still immune or if the immunity's worn off and say you need to have it again after baby's born?

@purpleme12, I think you're thinking of German measles (aka rubella which is the R in MMR) as that's dangerous for the baby in early pregnancy.

Oh right ok
They told me to get one after baby was born after checking me and telling me I wasn't immune anymore. Couldn't have it till after baby was born though they said.
Couldn't remember which it was