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Immunizations For Adults

Mumps, Measles, German Measles (Rubella)

Born after 1970? You might need a booster for any of these, even if you had a childhood immunization or the disease itself. There have been recent outbreaks of mumps in Americans and Canadians who received childhood doses where seemingly the immunity has waned over time.

People born before 1970 were likely exposed to wild measles and have developed immunity, but some people born after 1970 may be at risk of measles. Measles vaccinations require two shots to be effective. Those people born after 1970 who were not given adequate measles immunization, that can be documented should get measles vaccination.

It is not uncommon to find that women who intend to become pregnant or who are pregnant, do not have sufficient antibodies in their blood to prevent rubella or German measles. Being infected with rubella during pregnancy may be associated with serious birth defects. So, if you're a woman of childbearing age, it's a good idea to have your doctor order a blood test called an antibody titre to measure your immunity to rubella.

Mumps. Mumps is a viral disease that causes swollen lymph glands and cheeks, fever and headaches in children. If contracted as an adult mumps may lead to serious complications, or if contracted during pregnancy may cause miscarriage. You may have heard about some recent outbreaks of mumps in the United States and Canada. Many of us received only a single dose of mumps, measles, rubella in childhood. One dose prevents about 80% of people form getting mumps. Having a booster dose raises the protection to about 90%. If you didn't receive two doses of MMR or you're not sure, you can ask your doctor to order a blood test to measure your antibody or protection level against mumps.

Measles, mumps and rubella are usually given as one shot.

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