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Here are a few things to consider when planning international travel:
Measles Immunization
Babies younger than age 6 months cannot be vaccinated yet but may have some protection from antibodies passed to them during pregnancy. Consider delaying travel to locations with measles outbreaks to avoid risks of severe illness.
Babies age 6 to 11 months old should receive their first MMR vaccine dose at least two weeks before traveling. They will still need the standard 2-dose series (usually given at ages 1 year and 4 years) if they received a dose before age 12 months.
Babies 12 months and older should receive their first dose of MMR vaccine in addition to the other vaccines recommended at that age. Infants 12 months and older should also receive a second dose of the MMR vaccine 28 days after the first dose.
Measles immunization is also recommended prior to domestic travel to destinations with measles outbreaks.
Other Immunizations
Before traveling, check for health advisories on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Travel Health Notices webpage. Depending on your travel destination and the activities you have planned, other vaccines may also be recommended.
You can search by country to see which immunizations are recommended on the CDC Travelers’ Health website.
If you need special vaccines prior to travel, such as typhoid and yellow fever, you can obtain pre-travel counseling and any recommended vaccines through a specialty travel clinic. Check the San Diego County Travel Immunization & Medications web site for travel clinics in the San Diego region.
Malaria Prevention
Check the CDC Travelers’ Health website to see if malaria prophylaxis (malaria prevention) medication is recommended for the area you will be visiting.
If you have questions about malaria prevention, please make an appointment with your CPCMG clinician.
One of the commonly used medications is called Atovaquone-Proguanil (also known as Malarone). This medication is taken 1 to 2 days prior to entering a malaria-endemic area; continue throughout the stay and for 7 days after leaving the area.
Tuberculosis Testing
At each CPCMG Well Visit, a questionnaire will ask whether your child has traveled to a country where Tuberculosis (TB) is common, including Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, South and Central America, including Mexico.
After travel for > 3 weeks to countries where TB is common, or frequently crossing the US-Mexico border (eg once a month), the San Diego County Department of Public Health recommends testing for tuberculosis.
Annual testing is reasonable for frequent travelers unless there is known exposure or symptoms.
The most commonly used tuberculosis test is a blood test called Quantiferon. A skin test (called Mantoux or PPD, Purified Protein Derivative) is sometimes used.
Where To Find More Information Prior to International Travel
When To Call Your CPCMG Primary Care Provider
If you have questions about which immunizations are recommended prior to international travel
If you have questions about malaria prevention
If you need tuberculosis testing
📚 References
This content was adapted from Measles: What Parents Need to Know - HealthyChildren.org, Travel Immunization & Medications, Travel Health Notices | Travelers' Health | CDC, Precautions for International Travel: Information for Parents - HealthyChildren.org, and Destinations | Travelers' Health | CDC.
Reviewed by JW MD, Patient Education Committee.