Should you get a measles booster shot?

GOLDEN TRIANGLE, Miss. (WCBI)- The measles has been a growing concern across the U.S.

At the end of last week, The Center for Disease Control reported 839 cases.

Now adults are questioning whether they need a booster shot.

Though no measles cases have been diagnosed in Mississippi, a person with the virus reportedly travel through the Magnolia State in April. And that was enough to spark fear.

“I had a lot of adults asking me if they needed to have their titers checked titers is simply a blood test to determine immunity or whether they needed to be a repeat vaccination the short answer is probably not,” said Dr. William Rosenblatt.

Dr. William Rosenblatt said most people are immune. If you were born before 1960, you were probably already exposed and built an immunity and if you were born after you probably got vaccinated.

But there are some special cases.

“Most people have lifetime immunity to the measles. Now there might be circumstances where you’re immune system is compromised later in life and then again, that’s the case where you might want to talk to your doctor and ask that question,” Dr. Rosenblatt.

A report from the Center for Disease Control said the measles have been reported in Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas.

But Dr. Rosenblatt said the chance of it spreading to Mississippi is low.

“Well, Mississippi, while we rank 50th in most things, were very good vaccinators so we are one of the countries leaders in vaccination rates, so for that reason, most of Mississippians are already sort of innately immune if you were born in this area,” said Dr. Rosenblatt.

But if you do have concerns, there are some steps you can take.

“You can always get another round of the vaccine, which is the booster, there’s no harm in getting the vaccine if you’ve already been immunized. So if there is a question or concern you can just do that. The other option you have is to come and see us, and we can draw a blood test the tiger that we discussed to see if you are immune or not and kinds make that determination then,” said Dr. Rosenblatt.

Dr. Rosenblatt said if you travel for business or vacation, it might be a good idea to get tested to make sure you are immune.