Cali Offers Free Measles Vaccines for Travelers Ahead of 2026 World Cup

The Mayor's Office of Cali, through its District Public Health Secretariat, has issued a formal recommendation for citizens planning international travel. The health authority is urging residents to review and update their vaccination schedules, with a specific emphasis on the measles booster shot.

This preventive measure is a response to the global increase in measles cases. The initiative aims to safeguard individuals traveling for tourism, business, study, or to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

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The authority urges the review and updating of vaccination schedules, with a particular emphasis on the measles booster dose.

The Secretariat is offering the measles vaccine free of charge in Cali for international travelers. To receive the vaccination, individuals must present their travel documentation, such as a ticket or proof of travel, at authorized vaccination points. The recommendation is particularly relevant given the active circulation of the measles virus in various regions across Latin America, Europe, and Central Asia.

International health organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that all travelers be vaccinated against measles, even if they are only in transit. While most countries do not mandate a measles vaccination certificate for entry, sovereign states retain the authority to implement temporary controls based on epidemiological indicators. Optimal immune response is achieved when the vaccine is administered at least 15 days before departure.

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There is active circulation of measles in several countries. Therefore, the Health Secretariat offers the biological agent free of charge in the capital of Valle del Cauca for international travelers, who only need to present their ticket or travel support at authorized points.