Do you need a measles vaccine? This test can tell you. Where to get it in NC
The current measles outbreak has yet to reach North Carolina, but numbers indicate that the virus will arrive soon.
As of Thursday, April 10, there were 712 confirmed cases of measles in 25 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (For comparison, there were 93 cases reported in February.)
“With the growing outbreak in other parts of the country, it would be wishful thinking to think we won’t be affected,” Dr. David Wohl, an infectious diseases expert with UNC Health, told The Charlotte Observer. “Measles is one of the most contagious viruses that affects humans.”
Measles can spread through contact with an infected person or with contaminated air droplets, and the virus can live in an airspace for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area, according to the CDC.
The virus infects the respiratory tract and then spreads throughout the body, which, according to the World Health Organization, can lead to symptoms like high fever, cough, runny nose and a rash covering the body.
Luckily, measles tests don’t just detect active infections – they can also be used to find out whether you’re immune from the virus or not, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
“If you had a vaccination for measles and mumps or were sick with either infection in the past, your body makes IgG antibodies to protect you against future infection, usually for the rest of your life,” the NIH says. “An IgG antibody test checks for these antibodies in your blood.”
Here’s what to know about the test.
Who is eligible for the measles immunity test?
Most patients are eligible for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) testing, but you may not need it.
Wohl explained that there’s a 98% chance that people born before 1957 will test positive, meaning they have already built immunity to the virus.
“Before vaccines, almost everyone became infected with it,” Wohl said, referring to measles. “It was running rampant.”
He also pointed out that those who have received two doses of the MMR vaccine already have immunity.
Where to get the measles immunity test in NC
You can ask your healthcare provider for the measles immunity test, Wohl said.
A test called the Titer test, which measures the levels of antibodies in a blood sample, is available at some national chain pharmacies including CVS and Walgreens.
When should infants get the measles vaccine?
Most children should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine — one at age 12-15 months and another at age 4-6 years, according to the CDC.
“We do not recommended MMR for infants under a year of age,” Wohl said, adding that there are special considerations for those in areas where there are currently outbreaks or who are traveling internationally.
People who are “highly immunocompromised,” such as children undergoing chemotherapy, may not be eligible for the vaccine, since it contains the live virus, Wohl said.
Where to get the measles vaccine in NC
You can visit any of the following places for MMR vaccines in NC:
▪ Pharmacies: Walk in or schedule appointments at pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens. You can also inquire with local neighborhood pharmacies.
▪ Grocery and big box stores with pharmacies: Walk in or schedule appointments at stores like Walmart, Target, Harris Teeter and Publix.
▪ Your healthcare provider: Of course, you can contact your doctor for an appointment.
This story was originally published April 15, 2025 at 2:39 PM.
