Can I get the measles if I've been vaccinated?
It's rare, but some people may get measles after being fully vaccinated. In this small number of people, the symptoms tend to be mild. The measles vaccine, which is given in two doses, prevents measles 97% of the time on average.
In the United States, the measles vaccine is offered as a combined shot to protect against measles and other viruses.
- MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella.
- MMRV vaccine protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox, called varicella
Measles vaccine timing for children
Children and adolescents need two doses of measles vaccine. The first dose typically is given to children 12 months to 15 months old.
Children may get a measles vaccine between 6 and 11 months of age due to travel or a local outbreak of measles. But vaccines before 12 months don't give long-term protection. If a child gets the measles vaccine early, two more doses of the vaccine are needed after age 1.
The second dose is recommended between ages 4 and 6 years, before children typically start school.
If needed or preferred, children can get the second dose as soon as 28 days after the first dose of measles vaccine.
Measles vaccine for adults
Most people born or living in the U.S. before 1957 are immune to measles because they've had it. The disease, like the current vaccine, provides protection for life.
If you're not sure whether you've been vaccinated against measles, talk to your healthcare professional.
Your healthcare team may suggest a blood test that shows if you have immunity or have had measles before. Or you can get a dose of MMR vaccine if you can't find records of having measles or being vaccinated.
Measles questions
The measles vaccine is safe. Most people can get the measles vaccine. Exceptions include those who have had allergic reactions or have a weakened immune system.
If you have questions about whether you should get a measles vaccine, talk to your healthcare professional. Follow your healthcare team's suggestions for you.
With
Pritish K. Tosh, M.D.
Show References
- Questions about measles. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/measles/about/questions.html. Accessed April 1, 2025.
- Measles vaccine recommendations. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/measles/hcp/vaccine-considerations/index.html. Accessed April 1, 2025.
- Kimberlin DW, et al., eds. Measles. In: Red Book Online. 33rd ed. American Academy of Pediatrics; 2024. https://publications.aap.org/redbook. Accessed April 1, 2025.
- AskMayoExpert. Measles and measles vaccination FAQs. Mayo Clinic; 2025.
- Clinical overview of measles. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/measles/hcp/clinical-overview/index.html. Accessed April 1, 2025.
Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/measles/expert-answers/getting-measles-after-vaccination/faq-20125397