For many busy Americans, keeping up with maintenance on our homes, vehicles and even our health is often deadline-driven, and nothing motivates us like preparing for a much-deserved vacation. We tend to be more likely to spruce up our wardrobes, tune up our cars or even ensure our passports are in order before heading out of town, all on top of setting our itineraries and frantically packing our bags.
Depending on our travel destination, ensuring we’re up-to-date on vaccines should also be part of that checklist. Tetanus, flu and COVID-19 vaccinations are ideal for traveling anywhere, but other inoculations, such as those for malaria, may be necessary when traveling to certain parts of the world.
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Recently, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention released guidance related to protection against measles, indicating a very small uptick in the number of measles cases acquired during international travel suggests travelers should ensure they are up-to-date on their vaccinations prior to leaving the country.
“Before the measles vaccine, this virus was relatively commonplace, and many of us know someone born in the 1950s or before who may have had a relatively minor childhood case of it,” said Dr. James Kirk, an epidemiologist and director of infection prevention and antimicrobial stewardship at SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City. “Much like the flu, COVID-19 or some other viruses, many cases are mild, but some can be extremely serious, so it’s important to take measles seriously.”
Protection against measles comes in the form of an injection to counteract the effects of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR). It is most effective when taken in a two-dose course administered approximately 28 days apart. It is advisable to complete this course two weeks or more before international travel.
The MMR vaccine became standard childhood vaccination protocol throughout the United States around 1980, but many Americans born before that may not have any protection.
“The CDC’s advisory should not, by any means, be interpreted as cause for alarm,” Dr. Kirk said. “Instead, based on the guidance at this time, we should all just add it to our checklist of things to consider before traveling to help keep ourselves and everyone around us safe and healthy.”
Always check with a medical professional before getting a vaccine, especially if you have a history of negative reactions in the past. For questions about vaccines and what may be the best approach for you and your family, speak with your primary care provider or find a doctor near you.
