The measles outbreak in Texas is causing concern in Arizona. Health experts explain which age groups should consider getting a measles booster.
Measles cannot be contracted if a person has already had the disease or has the antibodies.
“It’s not like COVID where people can get infected over and over again,” said Will Humble with the Arizona Public Health Association. “Measles is definitely a one and done disease. You get the disease once, you’re not going to get it again.”
People 36 years old or younger with the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine do not need a booster.
Those between 37 and 56 years old mostly likely got one shot of the MMR vaccine.
“You probably just had one dose of the vaccine, but you had the new version of the vaccine,” Humble said. “You are sort of on the fence about whether you would benefit from the booster.”
People 57 years or older would benefit the most from a measles booster. Boosters are available through primary care providers or pharmacies.
“If you're over 57 and never had the disease as a kid, then you are probably in the list of folks that should think about getting a measles booster, before the disease arrives in Arizona,” Humble said.
