Adults born after 1957 should have two documented doses of the MMR vaccine before traveling abroad. Measles is uncommon in the U.S., but it still spreads widely in other parts of the world.
The MMR vaccine combines protection against measles, mumps and rubella in one shot. A catch-up dose given for measles also updates protection against the other two diseases.
Recent years have brought outbreaks in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. Travelers $TRV bound for destinations in Africa, Asia or South America can encounter the virus there.
The virus is airborne. Catching it does not require direct contact with an infected person. Avoiding physical contact with sick people does not, on its own, prevent infection.
The risk can also travel home. The CDC reports that many measles cases in the U.S. begin with international travelers who were not vaccinated. A traveler’s vaccination status matters for the people at home, not only for the trip itself.
Gaps in adult protection are common. Many adults received only one dose as children. That leaves them one documented dose short. Written records show whether a second dose was ever given, and travelers can look for them before a clinic visit.
An extra dose is safe even for someone who is already immune. A traveler who cannot locate records can be vaccinated again rather than depart without documented protection.
That safety is separate from any recommendation for more doses. The CDC reports that it makes no recommendation for a third MMR dose when measles outbreaks occur.
Families traveling with babies have a separate option. Infants can receive the MMR vaccine as early as six months old before travel to high-risk areas. That early dose does not count toward the routine childhood schedule. The routine doses are still needed afterward.
For travel clinic planning, the ideal window is six to eight weeks before departure.
