Measles  cases continue to climb in the United States. The current outbreak began  with importations into under-vaccinated communities by U.S. residents  returning from international travel. With summer travel season here, the  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) would like to remind  you of the MMR vaccination recommendations for international travelers  and persons living in or traveling domestically to areas with ongoing  measles outbreaks and community-wide transmission. 

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

The MMR vaccination recommendations for international travel have not changed. 

Infants under 12 months old

• Get an early dose at 6-11 months

• Follow the recommended schedule and get another dose at 12-15 months and a final dose at 4-6 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 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.

Patients  who need MMR vaccine should be fully vaccinated at least 2 weeks before  departure. If the trip is less than 2 weeks away, and the patient is  not protected against measles, give him/her a dose of MMR vaccine. Two doses of MMR vaccine provide 97% protection against measles; one dose provides 93% protection.

DOMESTIC TRAVEL TO OUTBREAK AREAS

CDC’s MMR  vaccination recommendations for persons residing in or visiting  domestic measles outbreak areas within the U.S. have also not changed.  You should ensure that people who live in and are traveling to areas in  the U.S. where there is ongoing, community-wide transmission of measles  are up to date on MMR vaccine. To decide whether to vaccinate an infant  visitor less than 12 months of age, follow local health department  guidance for the affected area (e.g., if no recommendation was made to  vaccinate infant residents, do not vaccinate infant visitors).