If you didn’t get the measles vaccine (MMR) as a child-or don’t know whether you did-should you get it as an adult? The answer is, unsurprisingly, a resounding yes. From January 1 to March 14, 2019, 268 cases of measles have been confirmed in 15 states. Even if you did get the vaccine, certain people who fit some specific criteria might need it again.
The vast majority of people have had the measles vaccine. One group that has recently generated public attention are the people who were deliberately not immunized as children, because of misplaced parental concerns over the safety or effectiveness of the vaccine. Those who are now becoming adults-and those who are already adults-have the opportunity to make up their own minds about whether to get themselves vaccinated.
Vaccination is generally a requirement for students planning to attend college, unless there is a legitimate medical reason not to vaccinate (such as a severe immune system disease). This is part of the social contract: you need to protect not only yourself but others who may not be able to take the vaccine. Depending on the state, some teens may be able to get vaccinated without parental consent before age 18: in all states, all may get vaccinated at age 18. Vaccines can be obtained from one’s own doctor, many local pharmacies, and state and local health departments.
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