A measles outbreak in Texas is raising concern.AP Photo/Julio Cortez), File
Questions are answered by experts at the Oregon Health Authority, other state agencies or community partners. Questions and answers are republished by permission.
Q: I am a fairly healthy 77-year-old woman who has always been dutiful about being fully vaccinated. In reading about the measles outbreak, I’m wondering how I can find out about whether or not I have received the measles vaccine. I remember discussing the issue with Rite Aid, my former pharmacy, along the lines of “Oh, I got that as a child” with a response of “No, you didn’t; they didn’t have a vaccine when you were a child.” I presume I got it but have no record of it. My current health provider’s MyChart records don’t show it. Can you help me track down, whether, when, and which version of the vaccine I received? The purpose being, of course, to get some sense of whether or not I need to go get vaccinated for measles right now. – Anonymous, Oregon
A: The pharmacist was correct. The measles vaccine first became available to the U.S. public in 1963, at which time you were either 15 or 16. Prior to 1963, the disease was widespread and infected nearly all children by their teenage years, and once a person is infected with measles they are naturally immune for life with no need for vaccination. After the vaccine was introduced, transmission was reduced such that not everyone was being exposed any more. However, anyone born before 1957 has almost certainly had the measles – whether they or their parents remember it or not. So, we do not recommend measles vaccination for you, or for anyone born before 1957.
As for your records, there is no public or private database that contains peoples’ vaccination records from that far back, and unless they have their personal immunization booklet or paper records, it will be nearly impossible to find out what vaccines they received back then. Those born in 1957 or later who don’t have their measles vaccination record could have their blood tested for measles immunity (aka measles “titer testing”) which will essentially tell whether they are immune to measles — either from having had it or from being vaccinated. They can ask their health care provider about this, or have their blood tested at a pharmacy or public laboratory (call ahead to confirm). Insurance plans may cover the cost of titer testing, possibly with some cost-sharing; we advise calling insurers in advance to confirm. Titer testing can also be useful for people planning to travel internationally to locations where measles is still common, or if schools or employers require proof of measles vaccination or immunity.
Finally, it is safe for someone to get vaccinated against measles more than once, or if they’ve had measles.
Q: I am an 86-year-old woman and received my last COVID vaccine on 9/17/24. How long should I wait before getting a booster? – J.M., Eugene
A: The recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is to wait six months before getting a booster (second) dose of the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine. This applies only to people ages 65+ and those with compromised immune systems.
Strictly speaking, that means you will be eligible for the additional dose March 17. However, the recommendation is flexible and allows for people to get it sooner, in advance of “typical COVID-19 surges, travel, life events, and healthcare visits.” We recommend that you check with your vaccination provider before going in.
If you have questions about health topics for the Oregon Health Authority, submit your question here. Although the agency is unable to answer every question, it will try to address those of interest to a broad audience. Please understand that OHA is unable to provide specific medical advice for personal medical conditions.