CDC Urges All International Travelers to Receive Measles Vaccinations

In a recent update to their health guidelines, U.S. health authorities are now strongly recommending that all Americans traveling abroad get a measles vaccination, regardless of the destination country. Previously, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasized the importance of vaccination mainly for travel to regions experiencing active measles outbreaks. However, the latest guidance expands this recommendation to include travel to any foreign country, reflecting the global risk of measles exposure.

The CDC's revised advice recommends two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine for all individuals aged 1 year and older. Infants between 6 and 11 months who are traveling should receive an early dose to ensure protection during their journey. This update is driven by recent events such as the Colorado measles outbreak linked to an international flight, highlighting that the risk of contracting measles extends beyond outbreak zones to the transit environment itself.

Measles continues to pose a significant health threat in the United States, with over 1,000 cases reported so far this year. Experts, including researchers like Ashley Darcy-Mahoney from George Washington University, see this development as a crucial step in preventing further transmission. The CDC explicitly points out that measles can be contracted not only from exposure in abroad countries but also on airplanes and during travel activities.

This approach signifies a shift from targeting only localized outbreaks to adopting a broader, more preventative public health strategy. The updated guidance underscores the importance of vaccination for all travelers to stay protected and to help curb the spread of measles within the U.S. and worldwide.