Traveling to the 2026 World Cup will require special attention to vaccination and preventive measures. The resurgence of diseases such as measles in the United States, Mexico, and Canada requires that travelers prepare their immunization schedules before traveling. Vaccination rates have declined in the region, which increases the risk of contagion.
Those planning to attend the 2026 World Cup should prioritize vaccination, especially against measles. Science and Health journalist Daniela Blanco explained on Infobea Live at Noon that in the United States, Mexico, and Canada there has been a reappearance of the disease. The decline in vaccination rates impacted these three countries and South America.
The specialist added two vaccines for those traveling to the World Cup: flu and COVID. According to her explanation, air travel increases exposure to respiratory viruses. Geneticist Jorge Dotto explained that airplanes represent a space of high viral circulation. Additionally, some airlines have again suggested the use of face masks during flights.
What vaccines are mandatory or recommended for the 2026 World Cup?
Health authorities recommend that travelers to the 2026 World Cup complete vaccination schedules against measles, flu, and COVID. Prevention is not limited to vaccines. The journalist recommended studying the sanitary conditions of the destination before traveling. Among the key points mentioned were access to safe water and the availability of medical services.
In addition to vaccines against measles, flu, and COVID, the journalist mentioned the HPV vaccine for teenagers and doses against dengue for travelers moving to regions with viral circulation. Blanco highlighted the Argentine development of the ARVAC vaccine against COVID. “Vaccines in Argentina are free, available, and there is a solvent and robust national vaccination calendar,” she concluded.
Dr. Alejandro Garcés recommended consulting four to six weeks before international travel. This prior margin is key because some vaccines need time to generate immunity and others require multi-dose schedules, explained Garcés, leader of the Medical Quality Area at Helios Salud.
What additional preventive measures should travelers take?
Prevention is not limited to vaccines. In this sense, Blanco recommended studying the sanitary conditions of the destination before traveling. Among the key points mentioned were access to safe water and the availability of medical services. “We need to go for safe water,” she stated when describing the gastrointestinal problems that usually appear during tourist seasons.
