Traveling internationally opens up a world of exciting experiences for families. However, it’s also important to be aware of health risks in different parts of the world. Measles, a highly contagious disease, remains a concern in many countries. If you’re planning a trip abroad, understanding your risk and the importance of being Travel Vaccinated against measles is crucial for protecting yourself and your loved ones.
Who is at Risk of Measles When Traveling?
You are at risk of contracting measles if you are not fully vaccinated against the disease or have not had measles previously, and you travel to regions where measles is spreading. Measles outbreaks are still prevalent in many parts of the world, making unvaccinated travelers particularly vulnerable.
Pre-Travel Measles Vaccination: Your Best Defense
The most effective way to prevent measles is through vaccination. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is a safe and highly effective way to protect yourself and your family. It’s recommended to be fully travel vaccinated against measles at least two weeks before your international trip. This allows your body enough time to build immunity. Even if your trip is less than two weeks away, getting an MMR vaccine dose is still beneficial.
- Two doses of MMR vaccine offer excellent protection: 97% protection against measles.
- One dose of MMR vaccine provides significant protection: 93% protection against measles.
Consult your doctor or local health department to schedule your MMR vaccination. You can also find a health center or clinic near you that offers vaccinations. It’s important to note that the CDC generally does not recommend measles vaccine for infants younger than 6 months old due to age restrictions and vaccine efficacy in this age group.
Measles Vaccination Schedule for Traveling Infants, Children, Teens, and Adults
Vaccination schedules vary based on age, especially for young children traveling internationally:
Infants (6-11 months old) Traveling Internationally: Early Dose Protection
For infants aged 6 to 11 months who will be traveling internationally, an early dose of the MMR vaccine is recommended. This provides some protection during travel. However, it’s crucial to follow up with the standard vaccination schedule:
- Early dose: Administered at 6 through 11 months of age.
- First regular dose: Given at 12 through 15 months of age.
- Final dose: Recommended at 4 through 6 years of age.
This ensures comprehensive and long-lasting protection against measles.
Children Over 12 Months Old: Catch-Up Vaccination
Children older than 12 months who haven’t been vaccinated should receive their measles shots promptly:
- First dose: Get it immediately as soon as possible before travel.
- Second dose: Administer 28 days after the first dose to ensure full immunity.
Teens and Adults: Ensuring Immunity Before Travel
Teens and adults without evidence of measles immunity should also get vaccinated, especially before international travel:
- First dose: Get it immediately.
- Second dose: Administer 28 days after the first dose.
Acceptable evidence of immunity against measles includes:
- Written vaccination record: Documentation of adequate MMR vaccination.
- Laboratory evidence of immunity: Blood test confirming measles antibodies.
- Laboratory confirmation of measles: Previous lab-confirmed measles infection.
- Birth in the United States before 1957: Individuals born before 1957 are generally considered immune due to widespread measles circulation before vaccines were available.
For detailed routine vaccination schedules, refer to the CDC’s guidelines.
Post-Travel Health Monitoring for Measles
After returning from international travel, it’s essential to monitor your health for three weeks. Measles is highly contagious and spreads easily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Seek Medical Attention if Symptoms Appear
Immediately contact your doctor if you or your child develops a rash and fever after international travel. Inform your doctor about your travel history and vaccination status.
- High Contagiousness: If one person has measles, up to 90% of unvaccinated close contacts will also become infected.
- Transmission Period: Infected individuals can spread measles for four days before the rash appears and up to four days after the rash emerges.
- Typical Measles Symptoms:
- High fever (potentially exceeding 104°F)
- Cough
- Runny nose (coryza)
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis or pink eye)
- Rash (appearing 3-5 days after initial symptoms)
Global Measles Outbreaks: Know the Risks at Your Destination
Measles remains a common disease in many regions globally, including Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. Annually, measles is estimated to cause over 100,000 deaths worldwide. Numerous countries and popular tourist destinations have experienced measles outbreaks in recent years, such as the UK, Israel, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Ukraine, and the Philippines.
Check Destination-Specific Travel Advisories
Before your trip, check your destination on the CDC’s travel website and review global travel notices for up-to-date information on measles risks and outbreaks.
Measles in the U.S. and International Travel
In the United States, measles cases are primarily linked to international travel. The disease is often introduced by unvaccinated individuals who become infected while abroad. Typically, a significant portion of these unvaccinated travelers are U.S. residents. They can then transmit measles to unvaccinated individuals within the U.S., sometimes leading to outbreaks.
Given the ongoing presence of measles in many countries, unvaccinated travelers can unknowingly bring measles into the United States, facilitating its spread. Protect yourself, your family, and your community by getting the MMR vaccine, especially before embarking on international travel. Being travel vaccinated is a responsible step towards ensuring a healthy and enjoyable trip for everyone.
