Rachel V Thomas

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Measles Cases Are Rising in US—Who Should Get A Booster Shot?

After eliminating <span>measles</span> in 2000, the US is now seeing a sharp increase in cases, with 3,659 confirmed cases reported as of September 24, 2026. Pennsylvania has reported five measles-related deaths this year, the first such deaths in the state in 35 years.

The number has risen significantly from previous years. The US reported 2,289 cases in 2025, compared with 285 in 2024 and just 85 cases in 2000.

Measles can cause serious complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis, or brain swelling, and can be fatal.

Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine can prevent measles by up to 97%, although breakthrough infections can still occur.

Around 95% of reported cases have been among unvaccinated people, although breakthrough infections have also been reported among people who were fully vaccinated. However, measles is not expected to be as severe in people who are vaccinated.

“Their illness will be much more mild and less likely to cause serious illness than if they had not received two vaccines,” Dr. Pia Fenimore, chief and vice chair of pediatrics at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health.

Yet according to experts some people can take a booster shot to stay safe.

The first measles vaccine was introduced in the US in 1963, but the formulation used between 1963 and 1967 was less effective than current versions.

Adults vaccinated during that period may need another dose if they have not received a later measles vaccine.

People born before 1957 are generally considered to have presumptive evidence of immunity because measles circulated widely before routine vaccination, and most people in this age group were naturally infected. 

Some people may need individualized vaccination guidance rather than standard recommendations, including:<ul><li>People with uncertain vaccination status or no vaccination records</li><li>People who received an inactivated measles vaccine between 1963 and 1967</li><li>People with a weakened immune system</li><li>Pregnant people</li></ul>

A measles vaccine booster may also be considered for children who received only one MMR dose, high-risk adults such as healthcare workers or international travelers, and people whose testing shows they lack immunity.

<h2>Can A Blood Test Check Measles Immunity?</h2>

In cases where people do not remember or have no records of two-dose measles vaccination, an Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody test can help assess whether they have antibodies against measles.

If testing shows sufficient measles IgG antibodies, the person is considered immune. If immunity is not established, vaccination may be recommended based on their individual circumstances. 

<h2>Why Adults Also Need To Be Alert</h2>

Measles is often associated with children, but adults can also become infected.

“We often forget about adults getting measles ... 38% to 40% of cases this year of measles have been in adults. Adults become infected at the same, if not higher, rates than children themselves ... in 2025, just over half of the measles hospitalizations were actually ... adults,” Dr. Gavin Harris, an infectious diseases physician with Emory Healthcare in Georgia and the associate medical director of the Serious Communicable Diseases Unit.

<h2>What If You Were Exposed To Measles?</h2>

Measles is highly contagious and can spread through even limited exposure to the virus. With the virus  outbreak, it is likely for people to get exposed to it. 

The measles vaccine remains the absolute best way to prevent disease.

A shot within three days of exposure to the contagious virus can help prevent the disease. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) given within six days can also provide protection after exposure.

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After eliminating measles in 2000, the US is now seeing a sharp increase in cases, with 3,659 confirmed cases reported as of September 24, 2026. Pennsylvania has reported five measles-related deaths this year, the first such deaths in the state in 35 years.The number has risen significantly from previous years. The US reported 2,289 cases in 2025, compared with 285 in 2024 and just 85 cases in 2000.Measles can cause serious complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis, or brain swelling, and can be fatal.Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine can prevent measles by up to 97%, although breakthrough infections can still occur.Around 95% of reported cases have been among unvaccinated people, although breakthrough infections have also been reported among people who were fully vaccinated. However, measles is not expected to be as severe in people who are vaccinated. “Their illness will be much more mild and less likely to cause serious illness than if they had not received two vaccines,” Dr. Pia Fenimore, chief and vice chair of pediatrics at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health.Yet according to experts some people can take a booster shot to stay safe.Who May Need a Measles Booster?The first measles vaccine was introduced in the US in 1963, but the formulation used between 1963 and 1967 was less effective than current versions.Adults vaccinated during that period may need another dose if they have not received a later measles vaccine.People born before 1957 are generally considered to have presumptive evidence of immunity because measles circulated widely before routine vaccination, and most people in this age group were naturally infected. Some people may need individualized vaccination guidance rather than standard recommendations, including:People with uncertain vaccination status or no vaccination recordsPeople who received an inactivated measles vaccine between 1963 and 1967People with a weakened immune systemPregnant peopleA measles vaccine booster may also be considered for children who received only one MMR dose, high-risk adults such as healthcare workers or international travelers, and people whose testing shows they lack immunity.Can A Blood Test Check Measles Immunity?In cases where people do not remember or have no records of two-dose measles vaccination, an Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody test can help assess whether they have antibodies against measles.If testing shows sufficient measles IgG antibodies, the person is considered immune. If immunity is not established, vaccination may be recommended based on their individual circumstances. Why Adults Also Need To Be AlertMeasles is often associated with children, but adults can also become infected.“We often forget about adults getting measles ... 38% to 40% of cases this year of measles have been in adults. Adults become infected at the same, if not higher, rates than children themselves ... in 2025, just over half of the measles hospitalizations were actually ... adults,” Dr. Gavin Harris, an infectious diseases physician with Emory Healthcare in Georgia and the associate medical director of the Serious Communicable Diseases Unit.What If You Were Exposed To Measles?Measles is highly contagious and can spread through even limited exposure to the virus. With the virus  outbreak, it is likely for people to get exposed to it. The measles vaccine remains the absolute best way to prevent disease.A shot within three days of exposure to the contagious virus can help prevent the disease. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) given within six days can also provide protection after exposure.

measles cases are rising in us—who should get a booster shot?

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Measles Cases Are Rising in US—Who Should Get A Booster Shot?

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