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Measles remains a common disease in many parts of the world, including areas in Europe, Asia, the Pacific, and Africa. Worldwide, 36 cases of measles per 1 million persons are reported each year; about 134,200 die. In the United States, most of the measles cases result from international travel. The disease is brought into the United States by unvaccinated people who get infected in other countries. They spread measles to others, which can cause outbreaks.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of getting infected when they travel internationally.

Travel Notices

Some U.S. travelers have become sick with measles after traveling abroad. Before you leave on an international trip, check the CDC Travel Notices on measles.

Infographic: Protect your child from measles. Measles is still common in many parts of the world. Unvaccinated travelers who get measles in other countries continue to bring the disease into the United States. Give your child the best protection against measles with two doses of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine: 1st dose at 12-15 months, 2nd dose at 4-6 years. Traveling abroad with your child? Infants 6-11 months old need 1 dose of measles vaccine before traveling abroad. Children 12 months and older should receive 2 doses before travel. Check with your pediatrician before leaving on your trip to make sure your children are protected. Larger view

 

Make Sure You’re Protected against Measles before International Travel

Before any international travel—

  • Infants 6 months through 11 months of age should receive one dose of MMR vaccine.†
  • Children 12 months of age and older should receive two doses of MMR vaccine separated by at least 28 days.
  • Teenagers and adults who do not have evidence of immunity* against measles should get two doses of MMR vaccine separated by at least 28 days.

† Infants who get one dose of MMR vaccine before their first birthday should get two more doses (one dose at 12 through 15 months of age and another dose at least 28 days later).

* Acceptable presumptive evidence of immunity against measles includes at least one of the following: written documentation of adequate vaccination, laboratory evidence of immunity, laboratory confirmation of measles, or birth in the United States before 1957.

Get Vaccinated and Prevent Measles

Since measles is still common in many countries, unvaccinated travelers bring measles to the U.S. and it can spread. Protect yourself, you family, and your community with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, especially before traveling internationally.

Also available on YouTube

Running Time: 1:00 minute
Date Released: 8/26/2015
Transcript [1 page]

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