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

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

The initiative aims to protect travelers and reduce the risk of reintroducing the virus into the country, which currently maintains its status as free of measles circulation. The campaign emphasizes the importance of checking and updating one’s vaccination record before departure, highlighting that immunization is the most effective form of individual and collective protection in a context of extensive international travel.

According to Valéria Correia de Almeida, a physician and professor of infectious diseases in the medical program at São Leopoldo Mandic College in Campinas, the current situation calls for extra caution. “Measles is a highly contagious disease that is still actively circulating in some countries. In a context of international travel and large crowds, the risk of exposure increases significantly,” she says.

Vaccination: What to Check Before Traveling

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

• MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), essential given the global increase in measles cases
• Influenza (flu), important in situations involving large gatherings of people
• COVID-19—keep your vaccination schedule up to date according to current guidelines
• Tdap (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis), a booster recommended for adults
• Yellow fever, recommended for those who have not yet been vaccinated, based on an individual assessment

In the specific case of measles, the Ministry of Health also provides vaccination schedules based on age group, with two doses for people up to age 29 and at least one dose for adults up to age 59, in addition to an additional dose for young children who will be traveling

Are there mandatory vaccines for entry into other countries?

To date, the United States, Mexico, and Canada do not require mandatory proof of vaccination for Brazilian tourists entering their countries under normal travel conditions. However, health regulations may change depending on the international epidemiological situation.

Travelers are advised to consult official sources before departure, such as the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization, as well as the consulates or health authorities of their destination countries, where any updated requirements are posted.

The professor emphasizes that, even if not mandatory, vaccination is an essential measure for individual and collective protection. “Travelers may not only put themselves at risk but also bring the virus back to the country, contributing to the reintroduction of diseases that were already under control,” she explains.

During their stay, simple precautions remain important tools for 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, wearing a mask may be considered, especially by more vulnerable individuals.

Upon returning to Brazil, the guidance is that any suspicious symptoms—such as fever, skin rashes, or respiratory symptoms—should be evaluated by a healthcare professional, with a full disclosure 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 your trip includes taking care of your health. Keeping your vaccinations up to date is a simple but essential step to ensure a safe experience,” she concludes.

About São Leopoldo Mandic

Ranked for 15 consecutive years as one of the top ten institutions of higher education in the country according to the Ministry of Education’s (MEC) General Course Index (IGC), São Leopoldo Mandic College in Campinas boasts a faculty of professors with doctorates and extensive scientific publications, who graduated from the top educational institutions in Brazil and abroad. Equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories, fully-fledged dental clinics, and practical training settings at partner hospitals and Basic Health Units, the institution offers students hands-on experience in the Dentistry and Medicine programs starting in the first year, as well as research activities and community service. It features realistic simulation labs, modern diagnostic and training resources, and an innovation hub, all of which support undergraduate and graduate programs. It also runs outreach projects such as the “Barco da Saúde” (Health Boat), which brings medical and dental care to underserved communities. São Leopoldo Mandic College is part of the Mandic Group, which operates nine other graduate campuses throughout Brazil and one in Portugal. The Group also includes three additional undergraduate medical schools, located in the cities of Araras, São Paulo; Limeira, São Paulo; and the Sertão School of Medicine (FMS) in Arcoverde, Pernambuco.

Mandic Group Press Office:

Nayrim Pinheiro | InPress Porter Novelli – mandic@inpresspni.com.br  

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

Oriana Suprizzi | São Leopoldo Mandic – oriana.suprizzi@slmandic.edu.br