Do you need a (second) vaccine shot of measles if you already had measles?

December 27th, 2007 | by BeHealthy |
cassie86 asked:


My school just told me that I need another (second dose) of measles vaccine but I don’t think I do. The thing is that I had measles as a kid so there is no point in getting the second dose now. Is the health center right?

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  1. 4 Responses to “Do you need a (second) vaccine shot of measles if you already had measles?”

  2. By sarge927 on Dec 30, 2007 | Reply

    I’m pretty sure the Health Center is right. There are a couple of different strains of the measles, one of them being rubeola or “German measles.” I had those as a kid, and that was after I was inoculated against measles. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but better safe than sorry, right?

  3. By yakkydoc on Jan 1, 2008 | Reply

    One attack of measles gives lifelong immunity, so you don’t need the shot. However, there are other viral rashes which may be confused with measles. If there is any doubt, about whether you had measles or not, then it is better to get the shot.

  4. By Luna Lovegood on Jan 1, 2008 | Reply

    No it isnt needed.
    when someone gives you a shot, or vaccine, they are actually putting that virus in you so that you wont get it or spread it later.
    Even if you already had them you will have to get it again or else you school will not let you attend. If your really worried about it you can realease you medical records to them and by that they will detirmine if you need it again by that
    good luck!

  5. By iamhis0 on Jan 2, 2008 | Reply

    No, you do not need it. Get a letter from your Dr explaining that you had the measles and give it to the school. If your Dr is new or was unaware you had the measles at one point, have your Titer checked(they draw your blood and check for immunity). If you do not want to have the shot, and trying to prove immunity does not work, you can always file an exemption. has info on exemptions.
    Good Luck!

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