Which Travelers Should Get A Measles Protection Vaccine

With measles cases being reported in many countries this year, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Travel Health Advisory highlighting updated vaccination guidance regarding this highly contagious respiratory illness.

As of May 28, 2025, the CDC states that international travelers are at risk of contracting measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks before departure or have not had measles in the past.

Therefore, the CDC recommends that 'all international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, according to the CDC's measles vaccination recommendations for international travel. 

This is essential guidance since most people who bring measles into the United States are unvaccinated U.S. residents who get infected during international travel.

Currently, significant measles outbreaks have been confirmed in the Region of the Americas, including Canada (2,755 cases), Mexico, and Texas.

While the Texas measles outbreak has significantly slowed, the outbreak in Ottawa, Canada, continues to expand, with 1,949 cases reported.

As of June 4, 2025, various measles-containing vaccines are available at health clinics and pharmacies in the United States.