can you get measles more than once
You almost never get “true” measles more than once, but there are rare exceptions.
Can You Get Measles More Than Once?
The short version
- For almost everyone, measles is a once-in-a-lifetime infection because it triggers very strong, long‑lasting immunity.
- Doctors generally say you can’t get measles twice, but a few rare reinfection cases have been reported, usually in people with weak immune systems or uncertain first diagnoses.
- Vaccination (two doses of MMR) gives very high, durable protection and is the safest way to be protected without the risk of severe illness.
How measles immunity works
When you catch measles or get the measles‑containing MMR vaccine, your immune system “remembers” the virus.
- Natural measles infection usually leads to lifelong immunity; the immune response is especially strong and long‑lasting.
- Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide around 97% protection and also create long‑term immunity for most people.
- Because this immunity is so robust, a second true measles infection is considered extremely rare.
Think of it like a high‑security lock: once your body “installs” the right lock for measles, the virus usually can’t get in again.
When could a second “measles” episode happen?
Most reports of “measles twice” fall into a few categories.
- Misdiagnosis the first time
- Other illnesses (like rubella or roseola) can cause similar fever‑and‑rash pictures and may be mistaken for measles, especially without lab tests.
* In those cases, the person didn’t actually have measles before, so their later confirmed measles infection is really their _first_ true measles.
- Weakened immune system
- People with conditions or treatments that suppress immunity (certain cancers, advanced HIV, strong immunosuppressive drugs) may not build or maintain normal protection after infection or vaccination.
* In these rare situations, reinfection is more plausible because the immune memory is impaired.
- Incomplete or waning protection
- Rare case reports describe “secondary measles infection” in people previously infected or vaccinated, likely related to weaker or waning immunity.
* This is still _very_ uncommon compared to the number of people who remain protected for life.
So in everyday life, if you had lab‑confirmed measles and you’re otherwise healthy, doctors would consider you protected.
What this means for you now
Because measles outbreaks have been popping up again in recent years in different countries, immunity status matters more than ever.
- If you had documented measles or have had two doses of MMR , you’re generally considered protected and very unlikely to get measles again.
- If you think you had measles as a child but aren’t sure or lack records, many clinicians recommend getting vaccinated rather than relying on memory.
- Adults without clear evidence of immunity, especially those traveling to areas with outbreaks, should check their MMR status with a healthcare professional.
If you’ve been exposed to measles and aren’t sure you’re immune, you should contact a doctor or local health service urgently —there are time‑sensitive options (like vaccination or immune globulin) that may reduce your risk if given quickly after exposure.
Quick FAQ
So, can you get measles more than once?
- In practice: almost never for healthy people with confirmed past infection or full vaccination.
- In theory: extremely rare reinfections can occur, mainly in people with weak or incomplete immunity.
Does getting measles mean I don’t need the vaccine?
- Many guidelines still support vaccination if your past illness wasn’t clearly documented, to be sure your immunity is solid.
Are adults at risk?
- Yes—any unvaccinated adult or anyone who never had measles is still at risk, especially with travel and current outbreak patterns.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.