Students planning European tours have been advised to ensure their MMR vaccination is up to date.
Public Health England issued the advice because of the number of “large” outbreaks of measles across the continent.
Cases of the disease are also increasing in England. There have been 643 reported so far this year.
The present generation of students represents the cohort of children that had the lowest levels of MMR vaccine – as rates dipped at the beginning of the century following false scares.
Dr Mary Ramsay, from Public Health England, said: “In the early 2000s there was a fall in MMR vaccination coverage in children and as a consequence, we are now seeing measles cases in young adults. Measles can be more serious in adults with a higher likelihood of hospitalisation and complications arising.
“Measles is circulating in England and the rest of Europe. We often think about what travel-related vaccines we might need before going on holiday, but it’s also important to check that we are up to date with routine vaccinations like MMR.”
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