With recent news of measles outbreaks, many people have been coming in to the Pitt Vaccination and Health Connection Hub asking whether they need a measles booster. For most adults in the United States, probably not.
Here’s what you need to know:
As of March 20, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had tracked a total of 378 measles cases reported by 18 jurisdictions.
Measles is so contagious that if one person has it, up to 90% of nonimmune people close to the infected person will be infected, according to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. Infected people can spread measles to others from four days before through four days after the rash appears.
So what?
According to the CDC, the risk for widespread measles in the United States remains low due to robust U.S. immunization and surveillance programs and outbreak response capacity. To prevent measles infection and spread, all U.S. residents should be up to date on their measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccinations, especially before traveling internationally, regardless of the destination.
What should I do now?
MMR vaccination remains the most important tool for preventing measles. Children may get the measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine instead, which also protects against chickenpox.
MMR vaccination is important for children as well as adults who do not have evidence of immunity.
Older adults who were born after 1957 and were vaccinated before 1968 may also require a booster.
Do I need a booster?
If you have no evidence of immunity by laboratory testing or do not know if you have been appropriately vaccinated in the past, please contact your doctor, or consult one of the experts at the Hub to determine your eligibility for an MMR vaccination.
The Hub provides vaccinations based on age and health indications set by the CDC. Learn about adult and pediatric vaccination schedules and review CDC vaccine information sheets. To make an appointment at the Hub, go to our “services” page or walk in at 4041 Fifth Avenue.
Questions? Call 412-383-4372 or email TheHub@pitt.edu.
