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\nMeasles is a highly contagious disease. It can be serious for young children. Protect your child by making sure he or she is up to date on measles vaccine, including before traveling abroad.
\nYou can protect your child against measles with a combination vaccine that provides protection against three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). The MMR vaccine is proven to be very safe and effective. CDC recommends that children get one dose at each of the following ages:
\nBefore any international travel\u2014
\nBefore you leave for your trip, check the CDC Travel Notices on measles.
\n*Infants who get one dose of MMR vaccine before their first birthday should get two more doses according to the routinely recommended schedule (one dose at 12 through 15 months of age and another dose at 4 through 6 years of age or at least 28 days later).
\n**Acceptable evidence of immunity against measles includes at least one of the following: written documentation of adequate vaccination, laboratory evidence of immunity, laboratory confirmation of measles, or birth in the United States before 1957.
\nMeasles is a very contagious disease caused by a virus. It spreads to others through coughing and sneezing. It is so contagious that if one person has it, up to 90% of the people around him or her will also become infected if they are not protected.
\nMeasles starts with a high fever. Soon after, it causes a cough, runny nose, and red eyes. Then a rash of tiny, red spots breaks out. It starts at the head and spreads to the rest of the body. Measles can be serious. It can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and death.
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Traveling abroad? Protect your child from measles with MMR vaccine.
Measles cases and outbreaks have been reported in the U.S. in 2019. See Measles Cases and Outbreaks for details.
\nPeople in the United States still get measles, but it\u2019s not very common. That\u2019s because most people in this country are protected against measles through vaccination. However, measles is still common in other parts of the world. Every year, unvaccinated people get measles while they are abroad, bring the disease into the United States, and spread it to others.
\nMeasles can spread quickly in communities where people are not vaccinated. Anyone who is not protected against measles, including children too young to be vaccinated, are at risk of getting infected. That\u2019s why it is so important to be up to date on vaccinations, including before traveling abroad.
\nSee resources for parents and others who care for children, including childcare providers.
\nMost health insurance plans cover the cost of vaccines. But you may want to check with your health insurance provider before going to the doctor. Learn how to pay for vaccines.
\nIf you don\u2019t have insurance or if your insurance does not cover vaccines for your child, the Vaccines for Children Program may be able to help. This program helps families of eligible children who might not otherwise have access to vaccines. To find out if your child is eligible, visit the VFC website or ask your child\u2019s doctor. You can also contact your state VFC coordinator.
\nTake the measles quiz to test your knowledge. Also available as a mobile app.
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