# **Health Authorities Advise Additional MMR Vaccination for Infants Traveling Within the Country**
## **Introduction**
Health authorities are now recommending that babies between 6 to 11 months old receive an extra dose of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine prior to traveling domestically within the United States. This guidance is a reaction to the decreasing vaccination rates and the rise of measles cases nationally. Previously, this additional dose was only recommended for international travel, but experts claim that traveling within the country now presents comparable risks.
## **Regular MMR Vaccination Schedule**
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently advises that children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine:
– **First dose:** Between 12 and 15 months of age.
– **Second dose:** Between 4 and 6 years of age, prior to starting school.
Babies younger than 12 months have typically been shielded by maternal antibodies and community immunity. However, as vaccination rates fall, these defenses are becoming less dependable.
## **Reasons for an Additional Dose for Infants**
Infants aged 6 to 11 months are especially at risk for measles, an extremely contagious virus that can lead to serious complications, including:
– Pneumonia
– Encephalitis (swelling of the brain)
– Death in severe instances
– Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a rare yet fatal brain condition that can occur years post-infection
The early MMR dose offers temporary safeguarding for infants visiting regions with low vaccination rates. Nonetheless, because maternal antibodies can diminish the vaccine’s efficacy, these infants will still need to follow the regular two-dose schedule later.
## **Why Domestic Travel Has Become a Concern**
In the past, the additional MMR dose was only advised for international travel to nations with low vaccination rates. Yet, recent measles outbreaks within the U.S. suggest that domestic travel can carry similar threats.
Main concerns include:
– **Falling vaccination rates:** The MMR vaccination rate among kindergartners nationally has decreased from 95% in 2019 to **92.7% in 2023-2024**, below the necessary level to prevent outbreaks.
– **Localized outbreaks:** Certain regions have significantly lower vaccination rates. For instance, a recent measles outbreak in West Texas occurred in a county where only **82% of children were vaccinated**, with some schools reporting vaccination rates as low as **46%**.
– **Increased risks of travel:** Unvaccinated travelers have the potential to reintroduce measles to their communities, leading to further outbreaks.
## **Health Experts’ Suggestions**
A team of prominent health professionals, including former CDC Director Rochelle Walensky, epidemiologist John Brownstein, and infectious disease specialist Wesley Rogers, has recently published an article in *JAMA* calling for the U.S. to revise its MMR vaccination protocols. They contend that:
– The line between domestic and international travel is no longer applicable.
– Infants traveling to any area experiencing a measles outbreak should receive an early MMR dose.
– Other nations should think about recommending an early MMR dose for infants coming to the U.S.
Some states, like New York, have already embraced this recommendation, with others likely to follow suit.
## **Obstacles to Implementing the Recommendation**
Despite the pressing nature of the issue, the widespread endorsement of this advice encounters hurdles. The current U.S. health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is a prominent anti-vaccine proponent. His position has raised doubts about whether the CDC will update its official recommendations. At the same time, misinformation surrounding vaccines continues to proliferate, complicating efforts to reach high vaccination rates.
## **Conclusion**
With a rise in measles cases and declining vaccination rates, health authorities strongly advise that infants aged 6 to 11 months obtain an early MMR dose before traveling to areas with ongoing outbreaks. Parents are encouraged to consult their pediatricians to evaluate their child’s exposure risk and ensure they are safeguarded against this highly infectious disease.
