Government health officials now warn all Americans traveling abroad to vaccinate against measles as a precaution due to a “resurgence” in cases.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its measles vaccination guidance.
The agency now recommends that all Americans planning international travel should be vaccinated against measles.
This marks a significant expansion from previous guidelines that only targeted travel to specific outbreak regions.
According to the CDC’s announcement, travelers aged 12 months and older should receive two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine at least 28 days apart.
Even infants between 6 and 11 months are now being targeted for an “early dose” before travel.
This sweeping recommendation comes as the government reveals the U.S. has reported over 1,000 measles cases this year across 33 states.
The CDC points to international travel as the primary culprit for bringing measles into America.
🇺🇸 The CDC warns international travelers to get the measles vaccine due to rising cases. #HealthAlert #Measles 🦠 pic.twitter.com/lcaUa8ngYB
— the Pulse (@thePulseGlobal) June 3, 2025
The CDC notes that measles can be contracted in various travel settings, including airports, public transportation, and even crowded events.
Ashley Darcy-Mahoney, a professor at George Washington University’s nursing school, supported the CDC’s stance: “We’re seeing a shift from localized outbreaks to transmission in transit.”
A recent measles outbreak in Colorado was linked to an international flight on Turkish Airlines, further fueling the CDC’s decision for universal travel vaccination.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment quickly agreed with the new mandate.
“Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your community,” the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment said in a recent statement.
The CDC states that measles spreads through coughing, sneezing, or breathing shared air and can linger in a space for up to two hours.
They describe symptoms including high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash.
Measles can cause complications in some cases, particularly in young children.
