As measles outbreaks continue to spread across the US, many older adults are taking proactive steps to protect themselves and their loved ones. More than 74,000 adults over 50 have received measles immunity tests since January 2025, according to a recent analysis of medical records data.

Local Angle

In Texas, where a major measles outbreak occurred in West Texas last year, the rate of older adults seeking measles immunity tests was particularly high, peaking at 627 tests per 100,000. This surge in testing was not limited to Texas, however, as the analysis found that adults 50 and older received measles immunity testing last year at nearly seven times the rate they had in recent years.

Nancy Churnin, a children’s book author from Plano, Texas, was one of the many adults who sought a measles immunity test. She wanted to confirm she was still protected against the disease before the birth of her grandchildren. After receiving her test results, Churnin was surprised to learn she was not immune to measles and subsequently got vaccinated.

National Implications

The US is poised to have another record year for measles, with outbreaks reported in several states, including South Carolina, which has seen the nation’s largest outbreak in decades. The virus spreads through the air and can linger in a room for two hours after the infectious person has left, putting anybody who goes through the area at risk if they lack immunity.

According to Dr. Emma Doran of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, titer tests can be particularly helpful for older adults who were vaccinated against measles long before electronic medical records and state immunization registries, and no longer have their paper vaccination records. The measles vaccine provides lifelong immunity for most people, with two doses of the combination measles-mumps-rubella shot being 97% effective against measles.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.