At Brixton Travel Clinic, we’re often asked by parents and travellers alike: can you get measles twice? It’s a reasonable question—especially with occasional news reports of measles outbreaks in the UK and abroad.
Understanding how immunity to measles works is vital for making informed decisions about your health, particularly if you’re planning to travel or have young children. In this post, we’ll break down the differences between natural and vaccine-derived immunity, explain who may still be at risk, and provide guidance on how to stay protected.
What Is Measles?
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through coughing and sneezing. Symptoms usually begin with a fever, cold-like signs (runny nose, cough, sore eyes), and are followed by a distinctive red-brown blotchy rash. It can lead to complications such as ear infections, pneumonia, and in rare cases, encephalitis (brain swelling).
Thanks to widespread vaccination in the UK, measles is now much less common—but it hasn’t disappeared. The virus still circulates, particularly in areas with lower vaccination rates, and international travel increases exposure risk.
Can You Get Measles Twice?
Generally, no. If you’ve had measles once, your body usually develops lifelong natural immunity. That means it’s extremely rare to catch it again. However, confusion often arises because some other illnesses—like rubella or roseola—can present with similar symptoms and may be mistaken for measles.
The question can you get measles twice becomes more relevant in the context of vaccination. While the MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine is highly effective, no vaccine offers a 100% guarantee. It’s estimated that one dose of the MMR vaccine gives around 93% protection against measles, while two doses increase that protection to about 97%. For most people, that’s sufficient to prevent infection.
However, in rare instances, vaccinated individuals may still contract measles—usually with milder symptoms and a lower risk of complications. This is known as “vaccine failure”, and it’s more likely to occur in those with weakened immune systems or those who didn’t build up a strong response after vaccination.
Natural Immunity vs Vaccine-Derived Immunity
Let’s take a closer look at the two main types of measles immunity:
1. Natural Immunity
This occurs after recovering from a natural measles infection. Your body recognises the virus and builds a strong defence against future encounters. Natural immunity is typically lifelong. However, gaining immunity this way carries significant risks, especially for young children, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying health conditions. The potential complications far outweigh the benefit of “natural exposure.”
2. Vaccine-Derived Immunity
This is acquired through the MMR vaccine, which contains a weakened version of the measles virus that stimulates your immune system to respond without causing illness. After two doses, most people have long-lasting protection. Vaccine-derived immunity has been crucial in reducing measles cases and is far safer than natural infection.
Who Might Still Be at Risk?
Although the majority of the population is protected, there are some groups who could be at increased risk:
Unvaccinated individuals – Whether due to personal choice, missed appointments, or lack of access, those who haven’t received the MMR vaccine remain at risk.
Partially vaccinated people – A single dose of the MMR vaccine provides some protection, but two doses are needed for full effectiveness.
People born before 1970 – Some individuals may have acquired natural immunity through childhood exposure, but if you’re unsure, it’s worth checking with your GP or travel clinic.
Travellers to high-risk areas – Measles remains common in parts of Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Exposure risk increases in areas with ongoing outbreaks.
Travel and Measles Protection
If you’re travelling abroad, especially with children, it’s essential to ensure your vaccinations are up to date. At Brixton Travel Clinic, we offer pre-travel consultations where we review your immunisation history and recommend any necessary boosters or updates.
For infants travelling to high-risk areas, an early dose of the MMR vaccine may be recommended before the standard NHS schedule begins at 12 months.
Should You Worry?
In most cases, the answer is no—especially if you’ve received two doses of the MMR vaccine. But staying aware and informed is key. If you’ve never had measles and haven’t been fully vaccinated, then the question can you get measles twice becomes less important than asking, “Am I protected at all?”
At Brixton Travel Clinic, we’re here to ensure you and your family are fully protected against preventable illnesses like measles. Whether you’re planning a family holiday, business trip, or simply want peace of mind, our team is ready to help.
Book your travel consultation today or drop in to speak with our friendly team—we’ll make sure you’re ready for wherever your journey takes you.
This blog was written on behalf of Brixton Travel Clinic by Pharmacy Mentor.