Preventing Measles Before and After Travel Fact Sheet

Key points

  • Measles is still common in many parts of the world.
  • Anyone who is not fully vaccinated against measles and travels internationally or to a place with a measles outbreak is at risk.
  • Follow these steps before and after travel and protect yourself against measles with the MMR vaccine.
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Last updated: April 30, 2025

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Preventing Measles Before and After Travel

Measles can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children. Severe measles can lead to hospitalization and even death. Measles is still common in many parts of the world. Anyone who is not fully vaccinated against measles and travels internationally—or to a place with a measles outbreak—is at risk.

How to protect against measles

You can protect yourself and your children against measles with the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine.

What to do before international travel

  • Talk to your doctor, nurse, or clinic to make sure everyone is protected against measles.
  • Get the vaccine at least 2 weeks before you leave.
    • Babies 6 through 11 months old should get a dose of the MMR vaccine.
    • Everyone 12 months and older (including adults) should get 2 total doses before travel.
    • If you haven't been vaccinated before, get the 1st dose right away. You can get the 2nd dose 28 days later.
    • If you've gotten 1 dose before, get a 2nd dose before travel.
  • Even if your trip is less than 2 weeks away, you can still get 1 dose of the MMR vaccine.

If you plan to travel to an area in the United States with a measles outbreak, talk to your doctor, nurse, or clinic to make sure everyone is protected against measles.

What to do after international travel or travel to a pace with measles outbreak

  • Watch for measles symptoms for 3 weeks after you return. Measles is very contagious and can spread to others quickly.
  • Call the doctor or clinic RIGHT AWAY if:
    • You think you or your child have been exposed to measles.
    • You or your child gets sick with a rash and fever. Tell your doctor where you traveled, and if your child got the MMR vaccine.
  • Stay home. If you or your child is sick with a rash and fever, stay home until you talk to the doctor or clinic.

Learn more: /measles/travel/index.html

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