Why Can'T Adults Over 50 Be Vaccinated Against Measles? This Is The Reason
Adults over 50 years old in Mexico are not recommended for the measles vaccine due to natural immunity gained from past exposure to the virus during childhood.
The article discusses the increasing cases of measles in Mexico since 2025 and the vaccination campaigns addressing this issue. While vaccination efforts are ongoing nationwide, experts from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) clarify that adults over 50 years old do not require the measles vaccine. The reason for this is rooted in the natural immunity that this age group developed when they were exposed to the virus during widespread outbreaks in their childhood.
Due to the global resurgence of measles cases, many adults have questioned whether they should receive the vaccine. However, health specialists from UNAM emphasize that vaccinating those over 50 is unnecessary, as the majority of them are already protected against measles due to their past experiences with the disease, which was much more common prior to the introduction of the vaccine. This historical exposure has resulted in a significant level of natural immunity within this demographic.
The article highlights the importance of understanding the immunological landscape of older populations concerning diseases like measles. It encourages public awareness regarding vaccinations, particularly emphasizing targeted campaigns that focus on younger demographics who are more vulnerable to measles. This approach not only optimizes health resources but also informs the public about who should actually seek vaccination rather than spreading resources thinly across all age groups.