CDC Now Says Americans Traveling Abroad Should Get Measles Shots First

Key TakeawaysThe U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends measles vaccination for all international travelersEven countries without outbreaks pose risk due to exposure while travelingBabies as young as 6 months should get a dose before traveling.TUESDAY, June 3, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Americans planning to travel outside the country should make sure they’re vaccinated against measles — no matter where they’re headed, U.S. health officials say.The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its guidance last week to recommend measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) shots for all international travelers, the Associated Press reported.In the past, the agency mainly emphasized the vaccine for those going to countries with active measles outbreaks. Now, it says the risk extends far beyond those areas.Ashley Darcy-Mahoney, a nursing researcher at George Washington University, said the change is a sign of how measles is spreading in new ways.“We’re seeing a shift from localized outbreaks to transmission in transit,” she told the AP.That includes airports and during travel.Darcy-Mahoney pointed to a recent measles outbreak in Colorado that started with an international flight landing in Denver.The updated guidance advises that all Americans 1 year and older should have two doses of the MMR vaccine and infants 6 to 11 months old should receive one early dose before travel.More than 1,000 measles cases have been reported in the United States so far this year, CDC data show.Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air. It can cause serious illness, especially in young children and people with weak immune systems.More informationThe U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on measles.SOURCE: Associated Press, June 2, 2025.What This Means For YouAmericans planning to travel outside the U.S. should be sure they are protected against measles — no matter where they are going..Sign up for our weekly HealthDay newsletter

CDC Now Says Americans Traveling Abroad Should Get Measles Shots First

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