The CDC recommends vaccination amid rising US

US health officials are warning doctors about the global spike in measles cases and encouraging families traveling to a measles-affected nation to vaccinate babies as early as 6 months.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a health advisory to doctors on Monday to raise awareness of the international spread of measles and advise them to vaccinate newborns a few months early if families plan to travel.

Before spring and summer travel, the warning was issued. The CDC reported measles outbreaks in Austria, Philippines, Romania, and the UK, popular tourist destinations.

In 36 US states, fewer than 95% of kindergarteners had been vaccinated against measles, below the herd immunity threshold, the CDC cautioned. To prevent pathogen spread, herd immunity requires immunizing a percentage of the population.

Dr. Nirav Shah, CDC's primary deputy director, said measles vaccination rates in the U.S. are “pretty strong,” so this isn't like Covid, where everyone is susceptible.

“For vaccinated individuals … the likelihood of contracting measles is thankfully not what it was in days gone by because the vaccination rates are high,” Shah said. “That said, we are concerned that vaccination rates have fallen just a little bit from 95% to 93%.”

One of the most effective vaccines is measles. For infection prevention, two doses are 97% effective while one dose is 93% effective.