Recent weeks have seen at least 90 reported cases of measles in the northwest region of Texas. Among these cases are five individuals who claim to have been vaccinated. It remains uncertain whether these five cases had received full vaccination. Whether you are in Texas or elsewhere, you might be considering whether to obtain a booster shot for measles or other infectious diseases.
Dr. William Schaffner, an expert in infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, advises against getting a measles booster if you were appropriately vaccinated in childhood. He emphasizes the effectiveness of the measles vaccine and states that if you were vaccinated as a child, there is no need to worry about getting a booster.
However, not all vaccines have the same longevity in providing immunity. Some childhood vaccines may require boosters as their protective effects wane over time. Infectious disease experts provide insight into when and why certain adults may need booster shots for routine childhood vaccinations.
For measles, most vaccinated adults do not require a booster. Since 1989, U.S. advisory committees have recommended two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine for all children. If you received both doses, you are considered protected for life. Individuals born before 1957 who likely had natural exposure to measles as children or those born after 1957 with documented vaccination history should not need a booster.
In the event of an outbreak, guidance may change for specific groups. If you are unsure of your vaccination status and are in an area experiencing a measles outbreak, consider getting vaccinated. Special circumstances, such as working in high-risk healthcare settings or living with immunocompromised individuals, may warrant a titer test to determine antibody levels and the need for revaccination.
In summary, understanding your vaccination history is crucial. While most adults do not require a measles booster, it is important to stay informed and consult with healthcare professionals during outbreaks or in special situations.
Breakthrough cases of measles can occasionally occur in individuals who have been vaccinated, although such instances are considered rare, according to Dr. Ryan Maves, an infectious disease expert at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. These cases typically present with milder symptoms, faster recovery times, and lower risks of severe complications such as pneumonia compared to cases in unvaccinated individuals. Dr. Maves explains that measles is a concern to public health experts due to its ability to cause “immune amnesia,” where prior immune protection may be compromised by the virus affecting B cells responsible for producing antibodies.
Regarding tetanus, it is recommended that most adults receive a booster shot every 10 years. The tetanus vaccine is commonly administered as part of a combination vaccine that also protects against diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough). Different formulations are available for young children (DTaP) and older individuals (Tdap), with specific dosing schedules recommended throughout childhood and into adulthood. Dr. Maves emphasizes the importance of tetanus vaccination, particularly in cases of injury where tetanus bacteria can enter the body through wounds.
Similarly, pertussis (whooping cough) boosters every 10 years are advised for adults, as the disease remains highly contagious and vaccination rates impact its prevalence. The current acellular pertussis vaccine triggers an immune response without using whole bacterial cells, reducing side effects compared to the older whole-cell vaccine. Dr. Maves stresses the significance of staying up to date with pertussis boosters to maintain immunity over time.
The acellular vaccine remains effective and does not trigger seizures. However, it has a shorter duration compared to other vaccines. Newborns are especially vulnerable to pertussis, prompting the recommendation for Tdap boosters for pregnant women and family members. It’s crucial for visitors to be up to date with their Tdap vaccine before meeting a newborn. For meningitis, adolescents are typically vaccinated in preparation for communal living situations like college or the military. Booster shots are not usually necessary as the protection lasts around five years. Exceptions include individuals with specific medical conditions, such as spleen issues or weakened immune systems. Travelers to regions with high meningitis rates may also require a booster. There is no current data supporting the need for an HPV booster for adults, with most recommended to receive two doses before age 15. The vaccine protects against various strains of human papillomavirus, lowering the risk of cervical cancer. Although the focus is on cervical cancer, HPV also contributes to other cancers like head and neck cancer. While there is no age limit for the HPV vaccine, individuals over 26 can consult their healthcare provider to assess its suitability.
“If you didn’t receive the HPV vaccine during childhood and are now in your 30s or 40s, it may be worth considering getting vaccinated as a catch-up measure,” Maves suggested. “It becomes challenging to demonstrate any significant benefits once you are over 40 years old.”
