Do we need to get a measles vaccination if we are headed to Taiwan or Japan due to the measles outbreak?

Doctor's Answers 1

Yes, I'd suggest visiting your GP to get a second dose, if you are unsure whether you've had 1 or 2 shots. Your doctor can do a simple blood test to check if you have immunity. However, the blood test can actually cost more than getting the second shot of the vaccine, so if you're really worried, just go ahead with the second shot!

2 doses of the MMR vaccine grant life-long protection against measles, even into adulthood. One dose of vaccine is 95% protective, and two doses provide 99% protection. This is because between 2% and 5% of people do not develop measles immunity after the first dose of vaccine. The second dose is not a booster, but rather produces immunity in the small number of people who fail to respond to the first dose.

FYI, under the Infectious Diseases Act in Singapore, it's mandatory for children to undergo two doses of the combined measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine during their lifetime - the first dose at 12 months of age and a second dose at 15 to 18 months.

Similar Questions

Is the MMR vaccine safe, or does it cause autism?

The MMR vaccine is completely safe, and does not cause autism. Vaccination is very important because it prevents diseases that can cause permanent complications and death. In the case of the MMR vaccine, it prevents measles, mumps, and rubella. Measles complications include ear infection, diarrhea, pneumonia, brain damage, and death. Mumps complications include swelling of the testicles or ovaries, deafness, inflammation of the brain and/or tissue covering the brain and spinal cord (encephalitis/meningitis) and, rarely, death.

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Do I need a measles booster jab if I'm travelling overseas?

Hi, I understand there may be concerns about measles given the recent outbreak in Taiwan and Japan. However, if you have received 2 doses of measles vaccine when you were a child, then you are considered as immune and will not require a booster. 2 doses of the MMR vaccine grant life-long protection against measles. If you are unsure of your vaccination status, you can check with your country’s child’s health booklet for documentation of recieving the vaccine as a child or speak with your family doctor.

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Dr Julian Ng

General Practitioner

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