Travel Immunizations

For complete health information for international travel including vaccine recommendations:

Measles Vaccine for Travelers

Some parts of Europe, Asia, the Asia-Pacific Region, and Africa are experiencing outbreaks of the measles. If you are planning to travel outside the U.S., ask your health care provider if anyone in your family needs a measles (MMR) vaccine.

Young children and some adults may need an additional dose of vaccine before traveling overseas.

Measles is a very contagious, and sometimes deadly disease. Even traveling on an airplane with other international travelers could put you at risk of catching the disease. Vaccination is the best protection against the measles.

Not sure if you were vaccinated against measles?

Check with your health care provider. If you were born before 1957 it's likely that you have been exposed to the virus and are immune. If you were vaccinated before 1971 when vaccines weren't as reliable, ask your health care provider. You may need an additional dose of measles vaccine.

Recommendations:

  • Don't wait – start early! Travel vaccinations can take a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks to complete. Contact your health care provider as soon as you can.
  • Children, adolescents and adults should have two doses of Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, at least 28 days apart, before traveling internationally.
  • An early dose of MMR vaccine is recommended for children 6-11 months of age who will be traveling internationally. This dose does not count as part of the routine doses given at 12-15 months and 4-6 years of age. Young children who travel internationally may need a total of 3 MMR vaccinations.

Additional Measles Resources:

Travel Vaccination Clinics

If you are looking for clinics that can vaccinate you for travel outside of the United States, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website to Search for Yellow Fever Clinics. These clinics can provide you with the vaccinations you need for travel as well as Yellow Fever vaccinations if necessary.