How long does infectious disease immunity from vaccination last?

How vaccines protect you from infectious diseases

Vaccines essentially imitate an infection to stimulate your body's natural defenses. When you receive a vaccine, your immune system responds by producing antibodies, just as it would if you were exposed to the actual disease, but without full-blown symptoms of an infection. This process helps your body learn how to defend itself against future infections.

Most people receive a series of vaccinations during childhood to protect against diseases like measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, hepatitis A and chickenpox. But as we age, questions arise: How long does this immunity last? When might it be time for a booster shot? Let's explore the world of vaccine-induced immunity and how to check if you're still protected.

How long does immunity from vaccinations last?

The duration of vaccine-induced immunity can vary depending on the disease and individual factors. Here's a quick overview of some common vaccinations often received in childhood and the protection they offer:
 

Chickenpox (Varicella):

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends two doses for everyone who has never had chickenpox or been vaccinated for chickenpox
• Some individuals with certain medical conditions should not receive this vaccine
• Most people who receive the vaccine are protected for life

Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR):

• The CDC recommends two doses for children
• Adults without documented immunity should get at least one dose (some may need more)
• The MMR vaccine generally provides lifelong protection against measles and rubella
• Mumps protection may decrease over time
  
  

Hepatitis B:

• Vaccination series starts in childhood 
• CDC recommends vaccination for anyone 59 years or younger who hasn't received it
• Immunity may last at least 30 years in healthy individuals vaccinated as infants
  
  

Hepatitis A:

• Vaccine series is typically given over the course of 6 months as part of routine childhood vaccination
• In addition to unvaccinated children, the CDC recommends hepatitis A vaccination for those at increased risk for hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection (e.g., international travelers, those exposed to occupational risks) and those at increased risk for severe disease from HAV infection (e.g., people with chronic liver disease or HIV infection)
• Immunity has been shown to persist for at least 20 years post-vaccination, though the exact duration of protection is not known
  
  

To learn more about vaccination immunity, check out our Immunity 101 blog.

Testing your immunity status

Knowing your immunity status is crucial for several reasons:

• It helps determine if your vaccinations are up to date and still providing protection
• It helps you protect yourself and prevent the spread of diseases to others
• Vaccine records or proof of immunity are often required by schools, employers and for international travel
  
  

If you're unsure about your immunity status, consider Labcorp OnDemand's Standard Immunity Test. This test can provide insights into your immunity status for chickenpox, MMR and hepatitis B. To learn more about your immunity status for hepatitis A, Labcorp OnDemand’s Hepatitis A Antibody Test can be a helpful tool. Neither of these tests can confirm an active infection and is not intended for individuals experiencing symptoms.
 

Don't leave your health to chance. Talk to your healthcare provider to see if the Standard Immunity Test is right for you. They can help you understand your results and immunity status, as well as provide guidance based on your health history and any travel plans you may have.