No 7/8 - 2024

Measles on the rise in Europe - don’t forget vaccination of adults and for travels

Measles on the rise in Europe - don’t forget vaccination of adults and for travels

The number of measles cases in increasing steeply in Europe and the rest of the world. Outbreaks have been reported in various European countries, particularly in Eastern Europe. In 2024, Denmark has recorded three measles cases two of which occurred in adults and two had a travel history to Eastern Europe. The risk of major measles outbreaks in Denmark is limited owing to the high vaccination coverage but sporadic cases or small outbreaks may be expected in Denmark in the near future.

The Danish Health Authority therefore encourages physicians to remain attentive to measles as a possible differential diagnosis, also among adults.

Free vaccination of adults

The Danish Health Authority encourages physicians to offer MMR vaccination to adults who have not previously been vaccinated and who have not had the disease.

Vaccination may be offered free of charge to the following persons as from 18 years of age:

  • persons who have not previously had measles or received measles vaccination for whom the physician assesses that offering measles vaccination is indicated
  • AND who reside in Denmark or are entitled to receive vaccination services during their stay in Denmark in pursuance of EU law or international agreements, including:
    o persons whose residence is registered in the CPR (the yellow health card)
    o persons with special health cards (e.g., people who are working in Denmark, but live in another EU/EEA country, Switzerland or Great Britain and their co-insured family members)
    o persons who are entitled to receive necessary treatment through the blue EU health card or a national health service medical card from Great Britain.

Persons born before 1974 in Denmark are assumed to be immune to measles and should therefore not generally be vaccinated.

The vaccine is given as a combined MMR vaccine, which also protects against rubella and mumps. Adults as from 18 years of age are offered vaccination by a single dose of MMR vaccine. No special vaccine exists for adults. The vaccine provides life-long immunity.

Travelling increases the risk of measles

Foreign travel increases the risk of becoming infected with measles and all adults who will be travelling and whose immunity is unclear should be offered vaccination.

In Denmark, children are offered MMR vaccination as part of the childhood vaccination programme, at 15 months and four years of age. When staying in countries with a high measles occurrence, the MMR vaccine may be given as from nine months of age. Such vaccines are defrayed by the person being vaccinated. Vaccination before 12 months of age does not count as part of the childhood vaccination programme, which is therefore followed as normal.

Useful links

(The Danish Health Authority)
21 February 2024