“A young mother urgently visited our clinic, requesting a measles vaccine for her 8-month-old daughter after asking, ‘Do I need any vaccines to travel to Europe in 2024?'”
They were preparing to return home to England when she learned that her neighbor’s infant son was on life support due to a measles infection. England is currently experiencing a country-wide measles outbreak.
This week, I received additional alerts about pertussis (whooping cough) outbreaks with thousands of cases in Germany and France. Europe remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and generally maintains a high level of safety regarding health risks, thanks to its high standards of sanitation and universal access to healthcare. However, if you are planning a trip to Europe, be aware of recent disease outbreaks and get the proper travel vaccines to prevent illness, protecting yourself, your children, and your community.
Routine Vaccines to Travel to Europe in 2024
Travel increases your risk of certain infectious diseases due to exposure to crowds and confined spaces on planes, trains, and public transit. Many of Europe’s cities and tourist hotspots become crowded during the busy summer season, making it even more important to stay up-to-date with routine vaccines.
CDC Recommendations to travel to Europe in 2024:
- Influenza (Flu) Vaccine: All persons over 6 months should receive an annual flu vaccine.
- COVID-19 Vaccine: Ensure you have the latest COVID-19 vaccine.
These vaccines are recommended for everyone, but are especially important when you are traveling, to avoid ruining your vacation with a preventable illness.
MMR (Mumps, Measles, and Rubella) Vaccine for Travel to Europe
Ensure you are up-to-date with your MMR vaccine. This vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Many European countries, including Austria, Germany, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Romania, Russia, Albania, and Armenia, are currently experiencing measles outbreaks. To see more about Measles outbreaks, click here: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/level1/measles-globe.
Measles: Highly Contagious and frequent in Europe
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases and can be particularly deadly for children. While it became rare in the US after the introduction of vaccines in the 1960s, outbreaks still occur when vaccination rates drop below a certain threshold. In the last five years, several measles outbreaks have occurred in the US, and they remain frequent in Europe.
Do Adults Need an MMR Vaccine?
Everyone requires two documented MMR vaccines for protection. For international travelers aged 12 months or older, it is recommended to receive two doses at least 28 days apart. Individuals born in the US before 1957 are considered immune to measles.
What if My Child is Too Young for the MMR Vaccine?
Infants do not receive their first scheduled MMR vaccine until 12 months of age. If you are traveling internationally with an infant aged 6–11 months, the US CDC recommends an accelerated dose of the MMR vaccine at least two weeks prior to travel.
Tdap Vaccine for Pertussis Outbreaks in Europe
Many European countries are experiencing an increase in pertussis (whooping cough), which tends to cycle every 3 to 5 years. The European CDC reported over 25,000 cases of pertussis in 2023, and more than 32,000 cases from January to March 2024. New outbreaks have developed in France, Germany and Norway, with ongoing outbreaks in countries like Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, and Spain.
Tdap Vaccine for travel
The Tdap vaccine in adults and adolescents (DTaP in children under 7) protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. Pertussis is highly contagious and can be fatal to small children. Women in the US receive an updated Tdap vaccine with every pregnancy.
Consider a Tdap Booster Every 5 Years
The pertussis component of the Tdap vaccine starts to lose effectiveness 2-3 years after administration. If it has been 5 years since your last Tdap vaccine, consider getting another one, especially when traveling overseas.
Risk of Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A, caused by the hepatitis A virus, leads to liver inflammation. It is transmitted through contaminated food and water or direct contact with an infected person. While more prevalent in developing countries with poor sanitation, several European countries have moderate susceptibility, including Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, and Spain.
Hepatitis A Vaccine for Travel to Europe in 2024
An effective and safe vaccine is available to protect against hepatitis A. It is part of the routine immunization schedule for children in the US, but many adults lack immunity. All international travelers should receive the hepatitis A vaccine, which provides lifetime immunity.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE) vaccine for Europe and Asia
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral infection affecting the central nervous system, transmitted by infected ticks. Travelers are at risk if they engage in outdoor activities like hiking in forested areas. Many European countries, from central Europe to the Baltics and Scandinavia, have conditions favorable for TBE. The risk is highest during the summer months but can be minimized with tick bite precautions. An effective TBE vaccine is available. Find out from your travel health specialist if you’re at risk and need a vaccine.
Consult Your Travel Health Specialist for Travel to Europe in 2024
Before your trip, check with your pediatrician or primary care provider to ensure you are up-to-date with your routine vaccines. Visit a travel health specialist at least 6-8 weeks prior to travel to learn about specific disease risks in your destination countries and to determine which travel vaccines you need for protection. To learn more, visit https://www.travelbughealth.com/.
By taking these preventive measures, and asking yourself, “Do I Need any Vaccines to Travel to Europe in 2024?”, you can enjoy your European travels with peace of mind.
