Measles booster for adults: what to know

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness. A booster is an additional dose of a measles-containing vaccine, commonly the MMR vaccine, intended to strengthen or complete protection. Your clinician will consider documented doses, previous infection, age, pregnancy plans, immune conditions, and any medicines that affect immunity. A fever or swollen glands can occur with many illnesses and does not by itself show that measles is present. See the information on [Measles](/conditions/measles/) and [MMR Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/mmr-vaccination/) for context.

Gather your vaccination record and tell the practice if records are missing, you have had measles, or you may be pregnant. Do not attend a clinic unannounced if you have fever and a new rash or have been exposed to measles; phone first so staff can reduce contact with others. A [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) can review your history and advise whether vaccination is suitable. Do not share vaccination records containing another person’s details.

Contact a clinician promptly after a known exposure or if fever develops with cough, red eyes, or a spreading rash. Seek urgent help for trouble breathing, severe drowsiness, confusion, dehydration, or a rapidly worsening illness. Call ahead rather than waiting in a crowded reception area. [Fever](/symptoms/fever/) and [Swollen Glands](/symptoms/swollen-glands/) may have causes other than measles, so assessment is needed when symptoms fit an infection.

Ask which doses are documented, whether a booster is appropriate for your circumstances, whether pregnancy or immune treatment changes the plan, and what symptoms should prompt a call after vaccination.