Do Adults Over 45 Need a Measles Booster? What You Need to Know

Measles was once considered eliminated in the United States, but cases are rising again. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported an uptick in outbreaks in 2024, with most cases linked to unvaccinated individuals and international travel.

For adults over 45, the risk may seem low, but there are factors to consider:

• Weakened Immunity: Immunity can wane over time, especially if you only received one dose of the vaccine in childhood.
• Changing Guidelines: The CDC now recommends two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine for full immunity. If you only had one, you might not be fully protected.
• Travel Risks: Measles remains common in parts of Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. If you travel internationally, you may be at greater risk.
• Community Exposure: Even if you don't travel, you can still be exposed to measles through contact with infected individuals in public spaces.

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emphasized in a Fox News interview the importance of vaccination.

Vaccines not only protect individual children from measles, but also contribute to community immunity, protecting those who are unable to be vaccinated due to medical reasons.

Kennedy said that while the vaccine is effective for some people for life, for many, its effectiveness wanes over time. He also mentioned that when he was younger, "everybody got measles," implying that natural infection provided lifetime protection, which is true for older adults before 1957.

Did You Get the Right Vaccination as a Child?

Not all measles vaccinations provide lifelong immunity. The key factors include:

• If you were born before 1957, you were likely exposed to measles naturally and are considered immune.
• If you were born between 1957 and 1967, you may have received a killed-virus vaccine, which was later found to be less effective.
• If you were vaccinated after 1968, you likely received the live attenuated vaccine, which is more effective—especially if you received two doses.

Not sure about your vaccination history? You can check your medical records, get a blood test to check for immunity or get a booster for added protection.

Who Should Get a Measles Booster?

The CDC and infectious disease experts recommend a measles booster in these cases:

• You only had one dose of the vaccine and were born after 1957.
• You don't know your vaccination status and can't confirm immunity through a blood test.
• You received the killed-virus vaccine between 1963 and 1967.
• You travel internationally or live in an area experiencing a measles outbreak.
• You have a weakened immune system due to aging, chronic illness, or medications.

What Are the Symptoms and Risks of Measles?

Measles isn't just a childhood disease—it can be serious for adults. Symptoms include:

• High fever
• Cough, runny nose, and red eyes
• Rash that spreads across the body

For older adults, complications can be severe:

• Pneumonia (a leading cause of measles-related death in adults)
• Brain inflammation (encephalitis), which can lead to seizures or permanent damage
• Weakened immune response, making you more vulnerable to other infections

The best defense is prevention. The MMR vaccine is safe and effective at preventing measles and its complications.

Measles Outbreaks in Senior Communities and Long-Term Care Facilities

While measles is more commonly associated with children, outbreaks, although so far rare, have occurred in senior living communities and long-term care facilities.

While measles is often considered a childhood illness, outbreaks in these settings put vulnerable older adults—especially those with weakened immune systems—at significant risk of severe complications. Ensuring high vaccination rates among staff, caregivers, and residents, along with swift containment measures, is essential to protecting our aging population.

These settings present unique risks due to the close proximity of residents, many of whom may have weakened immune systems.

• 2019 Washington State Outbreak: A measles outbreak in Washington included cases in long-term care facilities, where older adults were exposed through visiting family members and staff.
• 1998 Nursing Home Incident in Canada: A measles outbreak in a Canadian nursing home led to severe complications for elderly residents, many of whom had only received a single dose of the vaccine decades earlier.
• International Cases: Countries with lower vaccination rates have reported measles outbreaks in assisted living facilities, often introduced by unvaccinated staff or visitors.

Senior living communities must take precautions to prevent the spread of measles:

• Requiring staff vaccinations to minimize exposure risks
• Screening new residents for immunity through blood tests
• Implementing isolation protocols in the event of an outbreak
• Encouraging residents to receive boosters if they are at risk

For those living in or visiting senior communities, ensuring vaccination status is up to date can prevent unnecessary outbreaks and health complications.

Does Medicare Cover the Measles Vaccine?

If you're 65 or older (or have a loved one that age), you might assume Medicare covers the measles booster. But there's a catch:

• Medicare Part B does not cover MMR vaccines because it's considered a preventive vaccine for adults.
• Medicare Part D or private insurance may cover it, but out-of-pocket costs vary.
• Pharmacies often offer affordable options, so check prices before paying full price.

If you're unsure about coverage, ask your healthcare provider or check your insurance plan details.

Long-Term Health Risks of Measles—And How It Affects Aging Adults

For adults over 45, measles isn't just about the initial infection—it can have lasting consequences:

• Weakened immune function as you age, making recovery harder
• Higher risk of hospitalization compared to younger adults
• Potential long-term neurological effects

If a measles infection leads to complications requiring long-term care, the costs can be significant. According to the LTC News Cost of Care Calculator, long-term care costs are rapidly increasing, and an older adult with other aging-related issues could require more skilled services, increasing the cost.

If you're concerned about long-term care planning, looking into Long-Term Care Insurance while you're still healthy can help cover long-term care costs later in life that health insurance and Medicare will not cover.

What Should You Do Next?

If you're unsure whether you need a measles booster, take these steps:

• Check your vaccination records or ask your doctor for a blood test to check immunity.
• Consider a booster if recommended by the CDC or your doctor.
• Assess your travel plans and exposure risks, especially if you go abroad.
• Review your insurance coverage to see if the MMR vaccine is covered.
• Take long-term health into account when planning for aging and potential medical needs.

The recent rise in measles cases is a reminder that diseases we thought were in the past can come back.

Taking preventive steps now can protect you from serious complications later. Your health—your family's health and your future—are worth it.