We have many patients who are immunocompromised and cannot get the MMR vaccine. How should we advise our patients?

People with medical conditions that contraindicate measles immunization depend on high MMR vaccination coverage among those around them. To help prevent the spread of measles virus, make sure all your staff and patients who can be vaccinated are fully vaccinated according to the U.S. immunization schedule. Also, encourage patients to remind their family members and other close contacts to get vaccinated if they are not immune.

If patients who cannot get MMR vaccine are exposed to measles, CDC has guidelines for immune globulin for post-exposure prophylaxis which can be found at www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/rr/rr6204.pdf.