The recent measles outbreak in Texas and the changing views on vaccination safety/efficacy in the U.S. have many people—particularly older Americans—questioning whether there is a need to obtain vaccine boosters. While it is important to check with your healthcare professionals before getting any vaccine, below are recommendations for common vaccines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine:
Since 1989, two doses of the MMR vaccine have been recommended for all children. The first dose is usually given to babies between 12 and 15 months, and the second between ages 4 and 6. According to medical experts, people born before 1957 probably have natural immunity to measles due to disease exposure. For those born after 1957, the need for a booster depends on if you received two doses of the vaccine. The problem is that many older adults don’t know what vaccines they have received. In that case, physicians may recommend a titer test, a simple blood test that measures the level of antibodies in the blood, an indicator of immunity. If the titer does not show immunity, one dose of the measles vaccine may be recommended.

Knowing one's immunity status can be a lifesaver for people living in areas experiencing an outbreak, immune-compromised people, healthcare workers, international travelers, or people living in community housing like college dorms.

“We definitely have concerns about potential outbreaks,” said Martin Topiel, MD, Virtua Health’s chief infection control officer. “Every year, we see cases caused by an increasing number of people who are not vaccinated. Measles spreads very quickly, so it is important that you know if you have been vaccinated.”

Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine:
Tdap is a combination vaccine that protects against three serious and potentially life-threatening bacterial infections: tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). It is critical that adolescents and adults who have not received the vaccine to get vaccinated. The DTaP series is five doses given at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15–18 months, and 4–6 years. A booster shot, called Tdap, is given at 11 to 12 years, and a booster is recommended every 10 years after that. Tetanus is a serious bacterial infection that affects the nervous system, causing painful muscle spasms and stiffness. The bacteria enter the body through open wounds, such as cuts, punctures, or burns. Diphtheria (D) is a respiratory infection that can cause severe breathing problems, and pertussis (AP) is a highly contagious respiratory infection that causes severe coughing fits and can be dangerous for newborns if exposed to it. It is recommended that pregnant women receive a booster with each pregnancy. Likewise, people who spend time with infants or young children should also receive a booster.

Polio:
Polio is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause paralysis. While there is no cure for polio, it can be prevented with safe and effective vaccination. Polio vaccination has been part of the U.S. routine childhood immunization schedule for decades. CDC recommends that children get four doses of polio vaccine to protect them against severe polio disease, including paralysis. Most adults in the United States were vaccinated as children and are protected from the disease. If not vaccinated, the CDC recommends vaccination for both children and adults.

It is important to know which vaccinations you received as a child and the recommended booster schedules. Before obtaining any vaccines, it is important to seek the advice of your physician.

CDC Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule