Health officials in the U.S. have changed their advice about measles, saying international travellers should be vaccinated against the virus no matter where they’re going. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention previously emphasized the importance of vaccination for travellers going to countries with outbreaks.
However, last week, the CDC updated its guidance to call for vaccinations for travellers going to all other countries.
Ashley Darcy-Mahoney, a researcher at George Washington University’s nursing school, called the update significant.
A Colorado outbreak last month stemmed from an international flight that landed in Denver, she noted. The CDC travel notice change reflects a recognition that people are not just being exposed to measles in countries where it’s spreading, but also in airplanes and during travel, she added.
“We’re seeing a shift from localized outbreaks to transmission in transit,” and the CDC seems to be responding to that, Darcy-Mahoney said.
The travel notice advises two doses for all Americans ages 1 and older. An early dose is advised for travelling infants ages 6 months to 11 months. The U.S. has seen more than 1,000 measles cases so far this year.
Here’s what Canada’s government says:
“There is an increase of measles cases in many parts of the world. If you have symptoms of measles or have been in contact with someone who has measles, you shouldn’t travel. Contact your local public health authority right away and follow their advice.
Anyone who isn’t immune to measles is at risk of being infected, especially when travelling internationally. Before you travel outside of Canada, check with a health care provider that you’ve received the recommended number of doses of the measles vaccine.
- If born before 1970, 1 dose is recommended.
- If born in 1970 or later, 2 doses are recommended.
In Canada, the measles vaccine is part of routine childhood vaccination schedules. It’s given in combination with the mumps and rubella vaccines (MMR), and sometimes also with the chickenpox vaccine (MMRV).
If you’re planning to travel internationally:
- Review the global travel health notice for measles
- Make sure you have the recommended measles vaccinations
- Review travel advice and advisories for your destination
- Consult a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic, preferably 6 weeks before you travel, to get personalized advice and recommendations”
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