How to Check If You're Immune to Measles Without Visiting a Doctor

With the 2026 measles outbreak making headlines across the country, many adults are asking the same question: am I actually immune to measles? It is a fair question. Most of us received childhood vaccinations decades ago, and few of us can recall the details. The good news is that there are several ways to determine your immunity status, and some of them do not require a trip to the doctor's office at all.

Step 1: Check Your Birth Year

The simplest starting point is your date of birth. The CDC considers the following groups to have acceptable evidence of measles immunity:

• Born before 1957: You are generally considered immune. People born before 1957 lived through several years of widespread measles circulation and are presumed to have been infected naturally, which confers lifelong immunity.
• Born between 1957 and 1989: You likely received one dose of the measles vaccine. One dose provides about 93% protection, but two doses (97% protection) are now the standard recommendation.
• Born after 1989: You most likely received two doses of the MMR vaccine as part of the standard childhood schedule, which means you are very well protected.

If you were born before 1957, you can generally stop here. For everyone else, the next step is to look for documentation.

Step 2: Find Your Vaccination Records

Written documentation of vaccination is considered proof of immunity by the CDC. Here is where to look:

State Immunization Registries

Most states maintain electronic immunization information systems (IIS) that store vaccination records. Many of these are accessible online. Search for "[your state] immunization registry" to find yours. Some states allow direct public access through a patient portal, while others require you to request records by phone or mail.

Your Childhood Doctor's Office

If you can identify the pediatrician or family doctor you saw as a child, their office may still have your records on file. Medical practices are typically required to retain records for a set number of years after a patient's last visit, though policies vary by state. It is worth a phone call.

School and College Records

Schools require proof of vaccination for enrollment, so your elementary school, high school, or college may have copies. College health centers are particularly likely to have records on file, especially if you attended after 1989 when two-dose requirements became widespread.

Your Personal Records

Check for a yellow immunization card, sometimes called a shot record. Many parents keep these in filing cabinets, baby books, or family document folders. If your parents are still around, they may have held onto yours.

Step 3: Consider a Titer Test

If you cannot locate your vaccination records, a measles titer test (also called a measles IgG antibody test) is the definitive way to determine your immunity. This is a simple blood test that measures the level of measles antibodies in your system.

How Titer Tests Work

A small blood sample is drawn and sent to a laboratory, which tests for the presence of measles-specific IgG antibodies. If antibodies are detected above a certain threshold, you are considered immune, regardless of whether that immunity came from vaccination or natural infection.

Getting a Titer Test Without a Doctor Visit

While titer tests have traditionally required a doctor's order, several options now make them accessible without a traditional office visit:

• Direct-to-consumer lab services: Companies like Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, and smaller services like Walk-In Lab and Request A Test allow you to order a measles titer test online and visit a local lab for the blood draw. Prices typically range from $30 to $80.
• Pharmacy clinics: Some pharmacy-based clinics (CVS MinuteClinic, Walgreens Health, etc.) can order titer tests during a walk-in visit.
• Telehealth services: Many telehealth platforms can order lab work, including titer tests, after a brief virtual consultation.

Note: While titer tests can confirm immunity, the CDC states that documented vaccination is considered sufficient proof. If you find your records showing two doses of MMR, a titer test is unnecessary.

What to Do If You Are Not Immune

If your records are incomplete, your titer test shows low antibody levels, or you simply cannot determine your vaccination history, the safest course of action is to get vaccinated. The CDC states that there is no harm in receiving an additional dose of the MMR vaccine, even if you have been previously vaccinated.

For adults who need vaccination:

• Most adults need at least one dose of MMR.
• Adults in high-risk settings (healthcare workers, international travelers, college students) should have two doses, separated by at least 28 days.
• The MMR vaccine is widely available at pharmacies, community health centers, and doctor's offices.

Use our vaccine finder to locate a clinic near you that offers MMR vaccination.

Who Should Be Most Concerned

While checking your immunity is a good idea for everyone during an outbreak, certain groups face higher risk and should prioritize this step:

• Healthcare workers: Frequent exposure to potentially infected patients makes confirmed immunity essential.
• Pregnant women: Measles during pregnancy can cause premature birth, low birth weight, and other complications. The MMR vaccine cannot be given during pregnancy, so knowing your status before becoming pregnant is important.
• People who are immunocompromised: Those with weakened immune systems may not respond as well to vaccination and should discuss their specific situation with a healthcare provider.
• International travelers: Measles remains common in many parts of the world, and outbreaks frequently originate from international travel.
• Parents of infants: Babies under 12 months cannot receive the MMR vaccine. If you are caring for an infant, confirming your own immunity helps create a protective barrier.

Quick Reference: Proof of Measles Immunity

The CDC accepts any of the following as acceptable evidence of measles immunity:

1. Written documentation of two doses of MMR vaccine
2. Laboratory evidence of immunity (positive titer test)
3. Laboratory confirmation of prior measles disease
4. Birth before 1957

Checking your measles immunity does not have to be complicated or expensive. Start with your birth year and existing records, and if those leave questions unanswered, a titer test can give you a definitive answer. In the middle of the largest U.S. measles outbreak in decades, knowing your status is time well spent. For more information about the current outbreak, visit our outbreak map to see which states are affected.