How long measles vaccine immunity lasts

Protection after measles vaccination is designed to be long-lasting. The practical question is often whether you received the recommended vaccination course, whether the record can be confirmed and whether a medical condition or treatment changes the assessment. Protection is not the same as an immediate cure for an infection already developing. Measles may cause fever, cough, red eyes and a spreading rash; see [Measles](/conditions/measles/), [Fever](/symptoms/fever/) and [Swollen Glands](/symptoms/swollen-glands/).

Keep your vaccination record with other health documents and show it at a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/). If doses are missing or cannot be confirmed, ask whether [MMR Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/mmr-vaccination/) is appropriate. Tell the clinician about immune-suppressing treatment, pregnancy plans, recent exposure and travel. Do not delay advice while trying to calculate protection from memory alone.

Seek prompt advice after a known exposure or when fever and a new rash occur, even if you were vaccinated. Urgent help is needed for breathing problems, dehydration, confusion, a seizure or a person who is difficult to wake. Phone ahead before entering a healthcare facility if measles could be involved.

Ask whether your record demonstrates adequate protection, whether another dose should be considered, and how exposure or immune-suppressing medicine affects the plan.