A patient who was born before 1957 and is not a healthcare worker wants to get the MMR vaccine before international travel. Does he need a dose of MMR?

No, it is not considered necessary, but he may be vaccinated. Before implementation of the national measles vaccination program in 1963, virtually every person acquired measles before adulthood. So, this patient can be considered immune based on their birth year. However, MMR vaccine also may be given to any person born before 1957 who does not have a contraindication to MMR vaccination.

Routine testing of patients born before 1957 for measles-specific antibody is not recommended by CDC.