Measles remains a significant health concern for international travelers. If you’re planning a trip abroad, especially to regions where measles is still prevalent, understanding your risk and taking preventive measures is crucial. Being unvaccinated or not having had measles previously puts you at risk when traveling internationally.
Who is at Risk of Measles When Traveling?
You are considered at risk of contracting measles if you haven’t been fully vaccinated against the disease or haven’t had it in the past, and you are traveling to areas outside your home country where measles is spreading. Measles outbreaks are still common in many parts of the world, making unvaccinated travelers particularly vulnerable.
Before You Travel: Prioritize Your Health
Don’t travel if you are feeling unwell. If you suspect you or your child has been exposed to measles, it’s important to contact your doctor immediately before traveling.
Protect yourself with the measles Travel Vaccine. The most effective way to safeguard yourself and your family against measles is through vaccination. The Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is a safe and highly effective travel vaccine. Ideally, you should receive your measles vaccine, or be fully vaccinated, at least two weeks before your international trip. However, even if your departure is less than two weeks away and you are not protected, getting a dose of the MMR vaccine is still beneficial.
The MMR vaccine is a combination vaccine that protects against all three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella.
- Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide 97% protection against measles.
- One dose offers 93% protection.
To schedule your measles travel vaccine, contact your doctor, your local health department, or use resources like the health center locator to find a convenient vaccination site. It’s important to note that the CDC does not recommend measles vaccines for infants under 6 months old.
Measles Vaccine Schedule for Traveling Infants, Children, Teens, and Adults
Vaccination schedules vary based on age, especially for young travelers:
For Infants (6-11 months old) Traveling Internationally:
- Infants should receive an early dose of the MMR vaccine between 6 and 11 months of age before international travel.
- It’s crucial to follow the standard vaccination schedule afterward, with:
- Another dose at 12 through 15 months.
- A final dose at 4 through 6 years.
For Children Over 12 Months Old:
- Children should receive their first dose of MMR vaccine immediately, if they haven’t already. This serves as their travel vaccine for measles.
- They should then get a second dose 28 days after the first dose to complete the series.
For Teens and Adults with No Evidence of Immunity:
- Teens and adults who don’t have proof of immunity against measles should get their first dose of MMR vaccine immediately as their travel vaccine.
- A second dose 28 days after the first is recommended for full protection.
*Acceptable evidence of immunity against measles includes:
- Written documentation of adequate measles vaccination.
- Laboratory evidence confirming measles immunity.
- Laboratory confirmation of a past measles infection.
- Birth in the United States before 1957 (considered immune due to high measles exposure in that era).
For more comprehensive information, refer to the CDC’s Routinely Recommended Vaccines Schedules.
After Your International Trip: Monitor Your Health
Be vigilant about your health for three weeks after returning from international travel. Measles is highly contagious and spreads easily through coughing and sneezing.
Seek immediate medical attention if: You or your child develops a rash and fever after your trip. Inform your doctor about your international travel history and your measles vaccination status.
- Measles is highly infectious. If one person has measles, up to 90% of unvaccinated individuals around them will also become infected.
- Individuals infected with measles can spread the virus from four days before the rash appears to four days after the rash emerges.
- Typical measles symptoms include:
- 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 and Travel Destinations
Measles is still widespread in many regions globally, including parts of Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. Annually, measles causes an estimated 128,000 deaths worldwide. Many 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.
Before your next international trip: Check your destination for measles risk and consult the CDC’s global travel notices for up-to-date health advisories.
Measles and International Travel: Impact on the U.S.
In the United States, measles cases are often linked to international travel. The disease is frequently introduced into the U.S. by unvaccinated individuals who become infected while traveling abroad. Typically, a significant portion of these unvaccinated travelers are U.S. residents. These individuals can then spread measles to others in the U.S. who are not protected, sometimes leading to outbreaks within communities.
Because measles remains common in many countries, unvaccinated travelers can unknowingly bring measles back to the United States, where it can spread. Protect yourself, your family, and your community by ensuring you are vaccinated with the MMR vaccine, especially before undertaking international travel. This “travel vaccine” is your best defense against measles when exploring the world.
