Public health officials in northern New York have issued a travel advisory due to the ongoing measles outbreak. Just weeks before students are released for spring break, the New York State Department of Health has asked providers to post the advisory in their offices. The Franklin County Health Department shared the advisory on social media Thursday. The concern mainly stems from an outbreak north of the border in Canada. According to the department’s public health director, Hannah Busman, roughly 575 cases have been reported so far in Ontario. Nearly 40 cases have been reported in Quebec. Surveillance data shows these provinces have reported the highest number of cases in Canada.”It’s up to you if you want to go travel in these areas,” Busman said. “The best way to protect yourself is to be vaccinated against measles and to be wary about travel if you’re immunocompromised.” Busman said that anyone six months and older could be eligible for the measles vaccine. The full regimen includes two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, which is about 97% effective when both rounds are completed. However, it takes about 10 to 14 days for the vaccination to reach its full effect. In New York state, many students will be released for spring break starting April 21. In Vermont, some students will start their breaks the week of April 14. According to the Franklin County Health Department, about 90% of people exposed to a person with measles will become infected if they are not vaccinated. Health experts also said that anyone who is not protected can get measles and easily spread it to others when they return home from a trip. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has set a threshold of 95% vaccination uptake in order for communities to reach “herd immunity.” However, recent studies have pointed to a decline in vaccination rates. In Vermont, about 93% of kindergarten students got the measles vaccine in the 2023-2024 school year, according to CDC data. In New York, the state health department reported an average vaccination rate of 79% across Clinton, Essex and Franklin counties for first doses administered in January 2025. Health care providers like Busman have encouraged anyone who has concerns about the measles vaccine to ask questions. “We have people here that are open to talking about your concerns,” Busman said. “We understand it’s a challenge for some people, but feel free to reach out anytime. We will discuss your concerns and try to help you make the right decision.”To find the latest surveillance data or learn more about the measles vaccine, the CDC also has information listed online.
MALONE, N.Y. —
Public health officials in northern New York have issued a travel advisory due to the ongoing measles outbreak.
Just weeks before students are released for spring break, the New York State Department of Health has asked providers to post the advisory in their offices. The Franklin County Health Department shared the advisory on social media Thursday.
The concern mainly stems from an outbreak north of the border in Canada. According to the department’s public health director, Hannah Busman, roughly 575 cases have been reported so far in Ontario. Nearly 40 cases have been reported in Quebec. Surveillance data shows these provinces have reported the highest number of cases in Canada.
“It’s up to you if you want to go travel in these areas,” Busman said. “The best way to protect yourself is to be vaccinated against measles and to be wary about travel if you’re immunocompromised.”
Busman said that anyone six months and older could be eligible for the measles vaccine. The full regimen includes two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, which is about 97% effective when both rounds are completed. However, it takes about 10 to 14 days for the vaccination to reach its full effect.
In New York state, many students will be released for spring break starting April 21. In Vermont, some students will start their breaks the week of April 14.
According to the Franklin County Health Department, about 90% of people exposed to a person with measles will become infected if they are not vaccinated. Health experts also said that anyone who is not protected can get measles and easily spread it to others when they return home from a trip.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has set a threshold of 95% vaccination uptake in order for communities to reach “herd immunity.” However, recent studies have pointed to a decline in vaccination rates.
In Vermont, about 93% of kindergarten students got the measles vaccine in the 2023-2024 school year, according to CDC data. In New York, the state health department reported an average vaccination rate of 79% across Clinton, Essex and Franklin counties for first doses administered in January 2025.
Health care providers like Busman have encouraged anyone who has concerns about the measles vaccine to ask questions.
“We have people here that are open to talking about your concerns,” Busman said. “We understand it’s a challenge for some people, but feel free to reach out anytime. We will discuss your concerns and try to help you make the right decision.”
To find the latest surveillance data or learn more about the measles vaccine, the CDC also has information listed online.
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