According to CDC guidelines, the best way to prevent measles is with the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, with two doses providing better protection (97%) than one dose (93%). [1, 2]
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the CDC’s recommendations for measles vaccination:
Two doses of MMR vaccine are recommended
for children, with the first dose typically given between 12 and 15 months of age and the second dose between 4 and 6 years of age. [3, 4]
Two doses are also recommended for adults
who are at high risk for measles exposure or transmission, including healthcare personnel, college students, international travelers, and those in groups at increased risk during outbreaks. [5, 6]
Infants 6-11 months old who are traveling internationally
should receive one dose of MMR vaccine before travel, followed by the standard two-dose schedule after their first birthday. [7, 8]
Additional Considerations: [9]
People with compromised immune systems
are at high risk for severe complications if infected with measles, and all family and other close contacts of these individuals should receive two doses of MMR vaccine, unless they have other presumptive evidence of measles immunity. [9]
Healthcare personnel
should have presumptive evidence of immunity to measles, which includes written documentation of vaccination with two doses of measles virus-containing vaccine, laboratory evidence of immunity, or laboratory confirmation of disease. [10, 11, 12]
During a measles outbreak,
two doses of measles virus-containing vaccine are recommended for all healthcare personnel, regardless of year of birth. [10]
People born before 1957
are considered to have had measles in the past, and therefore are considered immune, unless they have laboratory evidence to the contrary. [10, 11]
If you are not sure if you or your travel companions are fully protected against measles,
schedule an appointment to see your clinician at least 6 weeks before traveling so that you have enough time to get vaccinated. [13]
If you or your child gets sick with a rash and a high fever after traveling to an area where measles is present,
call your healthcare provider and tell them about your travel history and vaccination status. [14]
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