You may have seen recent news reports about a rise in measles cases. While there have been a small number of cases, the risk of a widespread outbreak is low due to high vaccination rates in the United States. However, measles can be a concern for people who are unvaccinated, especially children traveling abroad to countries where immunization is low.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), measles cases in the United States originate from unvaccinated international travelers. If you plan to travel internationally, you should ensure you and your loved ones are protected against measles before departure, no matter where you are going.
Kristin Oliver, MD, MHS
In this Q&A, Kristin Oliver, MD, MHS, Associate Professor, Pediatrics, Environmental Medicine and Public Health, and Global Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, discusses the recent uptick in measles and explains new federal guidelines allowing children to get vaccinated as early as six months if traveling abroad.
Why are measles cases higher than usual?
There are several reasons. First, unvaccinated people who are traveling to and from countries with low immunization are likely catching measles and bringing it to the United States. Second, rates of measles vaccination have declined since the COVD-19 pandemic. Some parents were unable to get their children properly vaccinated during the pandemic or lack access to vaccines; others are hesitant about getting kids vaccinated. Some people may be unaware that their child needs to get a second dose of the vaccine to be fully protected.
What are the symptoms?
The first stages of measles look like many childhood illness: A cough, runny nose, high fever, and red eyes. After a few days, patients develop a red rash on their face that spreads to the rest of the body—the telltale sign of measles.
Who is most at risk?
Most people in the United States received the standard two-dose measles vaccines as children and are immune. If an unvaccinated person comes in contact with an infected person, their chances of catching measles are extremely high. According to the CDC, children less than five years old and adults older than 20 (especially those who are immunocompromised or pregnant) are more likely to experience complications. These include diarrhea, ear infections, pneumonia, and swelling in the brain. About one in five unvaccinated people in the U.S. who get measles is hospitalized.
When can I get my child vaccinated?
In general, the measles vaccine is a two-dose series. Children get the first dose between 12 and 15 months, and the second dose between four and six years old. However, the CDC recently changed its guidelines for parents with children who plan to travel internationally.
Under these guidelines, the recommendation is for kids to get early vaccines before they travel. Babies who are six to 11 months old are eligible for their first dose before travel. Children over 12 months old who have already received their first dose should get a second dose before travel. For example, if you plan to travel abroad with a two-year-old who received their first dose at age one, you should get them a second dose before you leave. Check with your pediatrician before you travel to learn about when your child should be vaccinated.
How can I get my child vaccinated?
Schedule an appointment with your child’s pediatrician. If you plan to travel abroad, let your pediatrician know so they can schedule the vaccines appropriately. If you are unsure about whether your child is up-to-date on vaccines, speak with their pediatrician. If you do not have a regular pediatrician, low- or no-cost immunizations are available through the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
How can I protect my baby if they are too young to be vaccinated?
The best way to protect a baby too young to be vaccinated is to make sure you, your friends, and family are up to date on vaccines. If your baby is unvaccinated and you are traveling in a region where vaccination rates are high, the risk of exposure is low. If you are traveling to a country with low immunization rates, the risk is higher. Keep in mind that even in countries with high immunization, there may be communities within those countries where immunization is low. It’s important to research the location and communities you plan to visit to fully understand the risk.
I don’t know my vaccine history. How can I know if I’ve been vaccinated for measles?
You can get a blood test from your doctor to see if you’re immune. You may also be able to check the immunization records of the city where you grew up.