Skip to content
Breaking News

Breaking News

  • Home
  • World
  • Business
  • Health
  • Entertainment
  • Life Style
  • Sports
  • Toggle search form

Measles vaccines given long ago could be less effective now, doctors say

Posted on March 2, 2025 By Admin No Comments on Measles vaccines given long ago could be less effective now, doctors say


For those who were vaccinated for measles many decades ago, there’s a chance the protection has worn off by now.

Amid the current measles outbreak in West Texas — and with cases also reported in New Mexico, New Jersey and several other states — some doctors are warning about the possibility of legacy vaccines becoming less effective over time.

Measles is a highly contagious virus for those who have not previously been infected or vaccinated, with up to a 90% chance of transmission.

MEASLES CASES CONTINUE TO SPREAD IN MULTIPLE STATES FOLLOWING CHILD’S DEATH

The measles vaccine was first introduced in 1968. Three years later, in 1971, the MMR vaccine made its debut, providing a trifecta of protection against measles, mumps and rubella.

Some doctors are warning about the possibility of legacy vaccines becoming less effective over time. (iStock)

A couple of decades after the release of the MMR vaccine, measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000. 

“The standard recommendation from health authorities like the CDC is a two-dose series of the MMR vaccine,” Fox News medical contributor Dr. Nicole Saphier told Fox News Digital.

“For most people, these two doses provide lifelong immunity — about 97% effectiveness against measles.”

Who needs another vaccine?

The question of whether someone should get another measles vaccine depends on a few factors, like their vaccination history, age and health status, according to Saphier, who practices in New York.

“If you’re an adult who got both doses as a kid, you’re likely fine unless you’re in a high-risk group — such as healthcare workers or travelers to outbreak areas — where a booster might be considered,” she said.

“Adults who were vaccinated for measles between 1963 and 1968 should check their vaccination history.”

People born before 1957 presumably have natural immunity, as they were likely exposed to measles before vaccines became available, according to the doctor.

“Adults who were vaccinated for measles between 1963 and 1968 should check their vaccination history to determine which vaccine they received,” Saphier advised. 

MEASLES OUTBREAK IN TEXAS CONTINUES TO WORSEN IN KIDS

“During that time, a version of the vaccine that used an inactivated form of the virus was available that was found to be not as effective and was ultimately withdrawn.”

Studies show that antibody levels can wane over decades, but actual measles cases in fully vaccinated people remain rare, Saphier added.

Doctor preparing MMR vaccine

Studies show that antibody levels can wane over decades, but actual measles cases in fully vaccinated people remain rare. (iStock)

“No hard data says people need a third shot routinely, but if you’re worried, a blood test can check your antibody levels,” she said.

“As with everything in medicine, there are rare risks to vaccinating and substantial risks to not vaccinating.” 

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Each person’s situation is different and should be weighed carefully after a thorough conversation with a trusted medical team, Saphier added.

Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor, also emphasized the importance of measles vaccinations — “particularly with the number of circulating measles cases and underimmunized people coming into the U.S. at a time when there is a big measles surge around the world.”

MMR vaccine

The measles vaccine was first introduced in 1968. Three years later, in 1971, the MMR vaccine made its debut, providing a trifecta of protection against measles, mumps and rubella. (iStock)

For those who are traveling to an area where a measles outbreak is occurring, he recommends that they see a doctor for a measles “titer test” and get a booster if they are not showing immunity. (The titer test measures an individual’s level of immunity to the virus.)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

“This is not yet an official suggestion anywhere, but I do check measles titers in many of my patients, and if they are low, I may give a booster as a precaution,” Siegel said.

MMR is a live virus vaccine and cannot be given to pregnant women or immunocompromised people, the doctor noted.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

So far in 2025, a total of 164 cases of measles have been reported in the U.S., according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

A vast majority of those (140) are in Texas. Nine cases have been reported in New Mexico, with the remainder in California, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey and Rhode Island.

Melissa Rudy is senior health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to melissa.rudy@fox.com.



Source link

Health

Post navigation

Previous Post: Donald Trump Reveals Crypto Strategic Reserve, Names Five Cryptos; Bitcoin Surpasses $94,000 – News18
Next Post: Arab states and UN condemn Gaza aid blockade by Israel – SUCH TV

More Related Articles

Can Silk Pillowcases Really Improve Your Skin? Dermatologist Weighs In Health
Trump drops Biden’s proposal for Medicare to cover obesity drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound Health
Over 100 children die of diphtheria in Karachi this year Health
What the ‘Mystery’ Canine Illness Means for Your Dog Health
Doctors question union over puberty blocker statement Health
10 hospitalized, around 100 more treated for heat-related illness at Colorado Springs air show Health

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Posts

  • Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s wedding invite slammed over ‘ugly’ design
  • Paige Spiranac adds new chapter in ‘case study’ about her golf game
  • From NPS To UPS: Last Date To Opt For Unified Pension Scheme Extended By 3 Months Till September 30
  • Salman Khan reveals struggle with AVM and brain aneurysm on Kapil Sharma Show: Know what AVM is, its causes, and why it’s so serious | – Times of India
  • Patrick Schwarzenegger on his breakout

Categories

  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Health
  • Life Style
  • Sports
  • World

Copyright © 2025 Breaking News.

Powered by PressBook Blog WordPress theme