Continued elevated measles outbreak activity across North America poses an ongoing risk of measles infection in the United States. Measles cases have been reported to public health authorities in almost all states in recent months and are not limited to states reporting larger outbreaks. The highest risk of infection is in unvaccinated people who come into contact with those who are infected. This increased risk is particularly concerning for those too young to be vaccinated and those unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons.
The Maine Department of Health and Human Services’ Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) reiterates the importance of measles vaccination. When planning to travel internationally, the U.S. CDC recommends early vaccination for children ages 6-11 months old. Children over 12 months of age and adults with no evidence of immunity who plan to travel internationally should receive the first dose of MMR immediately, with a second dose 28 days after the first dose.
The Maine CDC also recommends an early dose for children ages 6-11 months old when traveling to a domestic area where a measles outbreak is actively occurring, or when they anticipate having close contact with non-immune visitors from areas of the U.S. with measles cases.
Providers should make special note of patients receiving MMR vaccine between 6-11 months of age. When children are given vaccine early this is considered “dose zero,” which does not count towards the routine two-dose series. These children should also get dose one at 12-15 months and dose two at 4-6 years, for a total of three doses.