All international travelers should get measles vaccinations, CDC says
US health officials warn all international travelers to get measles vaccination
- US health officials, including the CDC, have updated their measles vaccination guidance for international Travelers, now recommending vaccination for all destinations, not just countries with known outbreaks.
- The CDC's updated guidance advises two doses of the measles vaccine for all Americans ages 1 and older, with an early dose recommended for infants aged 6-11 months traveling internationally.
- Ashley Darcy-Mahoney from George Washington University notes the CDC's change reflects a shift from localized measles outbreaks to transmission during travel, including on airplanes.
- A recent measles outbreak in Colorado, stemming from an international flight, highlighted the risk of exposure during travel, prompting the CDC to broaden its vaccination recommendations.
- The U.S. has reported over 1,000 measles cases this year, underscoring the importance of the updated vaccination guidelines for international Travelers.