These Family Members Need A Measles Shot Before Summer Vacation

Plan your vacation destination wisely, and be aware of concentrated cases of measles; the epidemic is at a 25-year high.

That secluded, isolated island getaway may be a better place to spend your week off this year than a crowded metropolitan area. While measles are a risk in some foreign countries, domestic travelers need to be aware- even if you're only heading up North or across the state. Michigan has more that 40 confirmed cases of the measles in 2019.

The Center for Disease Control makes these recommendations:

• Infants 6 months through 11 months of age should receive one dose of MMR vaccine.
• Children 12 months of age and older should receive two doses of MMR vaccine separated by at least 28 days.
• Teenagers and adults who do not have evidence of immunity against measles should get two doses of MMR vaccine separated by at least 28 days.

Travel Pulse adds,

• Adults in high-risk groups, including those who are traveling internationally, health-care workers and those in communities with ongoing outbreaks should check with their health-care providers.
• It’s best to be fully vaccinated at least two weeks before travel. If that is not possible, travelers should still get one dose before departing.

The guidelines are intended for international travelers but with more and more cases being reported in the United states and Michigan in the midst of the largest measles outbreak since 1991, it's probably better to be safe than sorry.