With measles cases rising across the United States, the Connecticut Department of Public Health recently encouraged all Connecticut residents to verify their vaccination status. By doing so, people can ensure that their protection against measles is adequate and take steps to update their vaccination if needed.
As of March 20th, 2025, there were 378 confirmed cases of measles across 18 jurisdictions in the United States. These cases have led to one confirmed death and one death under investigation, and have overwhelmingly affected people who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.
No cases have emerged in Connecticut, and the state’s strong vaccination rate is a good step toward herd immunity. This occurs when at least 95 percent of a community has been vaccinated against a disease, helping to stop its spread and protecting those in the community who are unable to receive the vaccine.
Here’s how you can check your vaccination status and see if you may need to take action to help strengthen the health of the community.
How a Vaccination Status Check Works
To check your vaccination status, you need to look up your medical records to confirm that you received a measles vaccine. The Connecticut Department of Public Health provides an immunization portal to safely and securely check your vaccine status or that of your child. This system began collecting records for children in 1998 and adults in 2022.
You can also check with your doctor’s office to see if they have immunization records on file. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says adults can potentially find this information from childhood records, school health departments, or past employers.
Since it can sometimes be challenging to find these records, a doctor can also order a blood test to determine your immunity to measles. The measles titer test measures the level of measles antibodies in your blood to determine if you have sufficient protection.
When You Might Need to Update Your Measles Vaccine
The measles vaccine was first licensed in the United States in 1963. Since 1971, it has been available as part of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine to provide protection against additional diseases.
Your protection against measles is significantly dependent on your age:
- People born before 1957: These individuals are generally considered immune to measles due to widespread exposure to the disease during this time.
- People born between 1958 to 1962: These individuals were born shortly before the measles vaccine became available. This creates some uncertainty over whether they contracted measles or received a measles vaccine, so it is recommended that they confirm their immunity.
- People born between 1963 and 1967: Some people born during this period received a killed or inactivated measles vaccine, which was later found to be less effective against the disease. These individuals should receive at least one dose of the live attenuated MMR vaccine.
- People born between 1968 and 1989: During this period, those who got the MMR vaccine received one dose. Beginning in 1989, a two-dose regimen was recommended after research showed that some people did not develop full immunity from a single dose. If you were born during this time, it is recommended that you get a blood test to see if you need to receive a second dose.
- People born after 1989: People vaccinated during this period fall within the current recommendation of receiving two doses of the MMR vaccine for optimal protection.
If you are unsure of your vaccination history, it is recommended that you get one dose of the MMR vaccine.
Who Can (and Cannot) Get the Measles Vaccine
All children should receive two doses of MMR vaccine. The first dose is typically given between 12 and 15 months of age, while the second dose is given between ages 4 and 6. The vaccine is also recommended for infants between the ages of 6 and 11 months who are traveling internationally or to areas within the United States where there is an active measles transmission.
The vaccine can also be administered to adults who are unvaccinated or who show evidence of inadequate immunity. People who may be at higher risk of contracting measles, such as health care workers or international travelers, should ensure that they have been vaccinated and have strong immunity.
Your doctor may recommend that you not get the MMR vaccine if there is a concern that it might cause health complications. The vaccine is typically not recommended for:
- Pregnant women
- Individuals with a history of severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to gelatin or neomycin, which are components of the vaccine
- Individuals who have weakened immune systems due to certain medical conditions or treatments (e.g., cancer, HIV, or high doses of corticosteroids)
- People with active tuberculosis
Protecting our community from measles requires collective effort. By checking your vaccination status and ensuring you are fully immunized, you can help prevent the spread of this preventable disease.
For more information, visit the Connecticut Department of Public Health.