Recent cases in Brazil and abroad reinforce the importance of vaccination, early diagnosis, and information to avoid serious complications from the disease

São Paulo, May 2026 – The approach of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, has mobilized not only fans but also health authorities. Faced with an increase in measles cases in different regions of the world, the Ministry of Health has launched a national vaccination campaign specifically aimed at Brazilians traveling to the World Cup.

The initiative aims to protect travelers and reduce the risk of reintroduction of the virus into the country, which currently maintains its status as free from measles circulation. The campaign reinforces the importance of checking and updating vaccination records before departure, highlighting that immunization is the most effective form of individual and collective protection in a scenario of high international travel.

a physician and professor of infectious diseases at the São Leopoldo Mandic Faculty of Medicine in CampinasValéria Correia de Almeida, the current situation demands heightened vigilance. "Measles is a highly contagious disease that is still actively circulating in some countries. In the context of international travel and large crowds, the risk of exposure increases significantly," she states.

Vaccination: what to check before boarding

According to the expert, the main form of prevention remains vaccination, and ideally, travelers should review their vaccination records in advance. Among the main vaccines recommended for Brazilians traveling to the World Cup are:

• The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella) is essential given the global increase in measles cases
• Influenza (flu) is important in settings with large circulation of people
• Regarding COVID-19, keep your vaccination schedule up to date according to current guidelines
• dTpa (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis), booster recommended for adults
• Yellow fever vaccination, recommended for those who have not yet been immunized, according to individual assessment

Specifically regarding measles, the Ministry of Health also recommends vaccination schedules according to age group, with two doses for people up to 29 years old and at least one dose for adults up to 59 years old, in addition to an extra dose for young children who will be traveling

Are there mandatory vaccinations to enter certain countries?

Currently, the United States, Mexico, and Canada do not require mandatory vaccination certificates for Brazilian tourists to enter under normal travel conditions. However, health regulations may change depending on the international epidemiological situation.

The recommendation is that travelers consult official sources before boarding, such as the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization, as well as the consulates or health authorities of the destination countries, where any updated requirements are published.

The professor emphasizes that, even without being mandatory, vaccination is an essential measure for individual and collective protection. "The traveler can not only expose themselves, but also bring the virus back to the country, contributing to the reintroduction of diseases that were already under control," she explains.

During your stay, simple measures remain important allies in reducing risks. The recommendation is to maintain basic hygiene practices, such as washing hands frequently, using hand sanitizer, and avoiding close contact with people who have respiratory symptoms. In enclosed spaces or areas with large crowds, the use of a mask may be considered, especially for more vulnerable individuals.

Upon returning to Brazil, the recommendation is that any suspicious symptoms, such as fever, skin rashes, or respiratory signs, should be evaluated by a healthcare professional, with due consideration of recent travel history.

For Dr. Valéria, the World Cup is a time for celebration, but also an opportunity to reinforce the importance of prevention. “Planning a trip includes taking care of your health. Being up-to-date on vaccinations is a simple but fundamental measure to guarantee a safe experience,” she concludes.

About São Leopoldo Mandic

Considered one of the top ten higher education institutions in the country for 15 consecutive years according to the MEC's ​​General Course Index (IGC), the São Leopoldo Mandic Faculty in Campinas brings together a faculty of PhD professors with extensive scientific production, trained at the best educational institutions in Brazil and abroad. Structured with state-of-the-art laboratories, complete dental clinics, and practice settings in affiliated hospitals and Basic Health Units, the institution offers students practical experience in Dentistry and Medicine courses from the 1st year, as well as research activities and community service. It has realistic simulation laboratories, modern resources for diagnosis and training, and an innovation HUB, all serving undergraduate and postgraduate courses. It also has extension projects such as the Health Boat, which brings medical and dental care to underprivileged communities. The São Leopoldo Mandic Faculty is part of the Mandic Group, which has nine other postgraduate units distributed throughout the country and one in Portugal. The Group also includes three other undergraduate medical schools, located in the cities of Araras-SP, Limeira-SP, and the Sertão Medical School (FMS) in Arcoverde-PE.

Press Office of the Mandic Group:

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Silvia Balbo Messias | São Leopoldo Mandic – silvia.balbo@slmandic.edu.br

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