U.S. health officials have issued new guidance to international travelers urging them to be vaccinated against measles before leaving the country. They’re calling on all Americans to be fully vaccinated—including those planning to travel. This shift comes as measles cases continue to skyrocket in the United States. In fact, it’s no surprise as we have already been tracking 1,000+ reported cases this year.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasized that all U.S. residents should receive the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine before traveling internationally. This guidance now applies to travelers going to all countries. It further shines a light on the paramount importance of vaccination to keep our communities safe from the spread of this extremely contagious virus.
The CDC still does not recommend vaccinations for adults and older children. Furthermore, they recommend that babies 6–11 months receive an early dose of measles vaccine before international travel. This proposed recommendation would help shield younger travelers, who are especially susceptible to the disease.
It’s hard to overstate how much recent events have made these recommendations urgent. With last month’s measles outbreak in Colorado linked to an international flight that landed in Denver, the potential for importation is significant. This occurrence underscores the speed with which the virus can move through public transit.
Ashley Darcy-Mahoney, a health researcher at George Washington University’s nursing school, recognized the importance of this updated guidance. She stated, “We’re seeing a shift from localized outbreaks to transmission in transit,” emphasizing the need for comprehensive vaccination efforts among travelers.
The CDC has raised its travel notice to the highest level known as “Level 4.” It stresses that all Americans 1 year and older need two doses of measles vaccine, especially people going on international travel. By ensuring widespread vaccination, health officials hope to curb the ongoing surge in measles cases that has affected communities nationwide.
