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CDC Urges Extra Measles Shot for Some U.S. Travelers Amid Outbreak

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on April 11, 2025.

By I. Edwards HealthDay Reporter

FRIDAY, April 11, 2025 -- The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends extra measles protection for people traveling to areas with active outbreaks in the United States, CBS News reported.

In an April 8 letter, the CDC advised health departments that travelers going to outbreak areas in the U.S. should follow local vaccination guidance.

These new steps dovetail with a rapid rise in measles cases this year, with more than 600 cases reported across at least 21 states. The virus is highly contagious.

So far, only Texas and Kansas have updated their measles vaccine guidance, CBS said. People traveling to any affected counties in those states should check if they need another dose.

"People going to or living in areas in the United States with ongoing community-wide measles transmission," should have their vaccination status reviewed, the CDC said.

This may mean getting a second dose if they’ve only had one or getting vaccinated if they haven’t had any shots.

The shot — nicknamed MMR — offers protection against measles, mumps and rubella.

Here are the CDC’s updated recommendations based on Texas and Kansas:

• Infants 6 to 11 months should get an early dose, followed by two more: one at 12 to 15 months and another at 4 to 6 years old.

• Children over 12 months with only one dose should get their second early, as long as it’s been 28 days.

• People born between 1957 and 1968 who had an older version of the MMR vaccine may need a current version. Texas suggests two doses.

The CDC has long urged vaccination for international travelers, but the recommendation for domestic travelers is a response to the ongoing outbreaks across the U.S.

Among the states with outbreaks are New Jersey, Georgia, Ohio, Indiana and Colorado. Two children in Texas and one adult in New Mexico have died from the virus this year.

"CDC's clinical vaccination guidance for measles outbreaks has not changed. During measles outbreaks, health departments may provide additional recommendations to protect their communities," a CDC spokesperson said in a statement.

They also advised that the decision to give infants an early dose "should be made carefully after weighing the risks of the potential long-term impact of lower immune responses."

There are no recommendations to receive a third dose of MMR vaccine during measles outbreaks, the statement added.

Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.

© 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

Posted April 2025

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