How to Prevent Measles

"Measles cases in the United States originate from unvaccinated international travelers.

If you plan to travel internationally, make sure you and your loved ones are protected against measles before departure, no matter where you are going.

Planning a trip outside the U.S.?

Find out if you need measles vaccine

Which travelers are at risk?

You are at risk of measles infection if you have not been fully vaccinated or have not had measles in the past and you travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

Before international travel: Make sure you’re protected against measles

The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from measles is by getting vaccinated. You should plan to be fully vaccinated at least 2 weeks before you depart. If your trip is less than 2 weeks away and you’re not protected against measles, you should still get a dose of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. The MMR vaccine protects against all 3 diseases.

• Two doses of MMR vaccine provide 97% protection against measles.
• One dose provides 93% protection.

Call your doctor, your local health department, or locate a pharmacy or clinic near you to schedule an appointment for a MMR vaccine. CDC does not recommend measles vaccine for infants younger than 6 months of age.

Infants under 12 months old who are traveling

• Get an early dose at 6 through 11 months
• Follow the recommended schedule and get another dose at 12 through 15 months and a final dose at 4 through 6 years

Children over 12 months old

• Get first dose immediately
• Get second dose 28 days after first dose

Teens and adults with no evidence of immunity*

• Get first dose immediately
• Get second dose 28 days after first dose

 

Acceptable 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.."
  Measles