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Not sure if you're immune to measles? There's a test for that

Anna Hicks prepares a measles, mumps and rubella vaccine at the Andrews County Health Department, Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in Andrews, Texas. (AP Photo/Annie Rice)
Annie Rice/AP
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FR171627 AP
Anna Hicks prepares a measles, mumps and rubella vaccine at the Andrews County Health Department, Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in Andrews, Texas. (AP Photo/Annie Rice)

With a measles outbreak in Kentucky spreading to Fayette County, health officials are stressing the importance of vaccination — especially for children. But the question of immunity in adults can be a little harder to answer.

The rule of thumb is that those born before 1957 were likely already exposed to measles and are considered generally immune. The kind of vaccine and the number of doses one might have received in the 60s or 70s is more complicated, as different versions were available. Full protection, that's two doses of the MMR vaccine, became the norm in 1989.

So if you fall into any of the earlier categories and are curious whether you could benefit from a measles vaccination, it's best to consult with physicians and family first to see if there are records.

But if you're still left wondering, Dr. Nicholas Van Sickels with UK HealthCare says there is a test known as a titer that can determine your immunity for measles.

"The question that I get a lot is, should I get a titer? We can do titers. The only hesitation I have with that is I don't know if that's going to be reimbursed by somebody's insurance," he says. "It's not a terribly expensive test, but it is a test. But if it's positive, then we know you're protected. If it's negative, then usually the insurance will cover the vaccination."

Van Sickels says the measles vaccine is safe and 97 percent effective at two doses. Even a single dose of the modern MMR vaccine is 93 percent protective for life.

Read more on who might need a measles booster.