Traveller vaccination overview
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Traveler Vaccination |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Seyedmahdi Pahlavani, M.D. [2]
Overview
Vaccination is a highly effective method of preventing certain infectious diseases. Vaccines are generally very safe and serious adverse reactions are uncommon. For travellers, vaccination offers the possibility of avoiding some infectious diseases that may be encountered abroad. However, satisfactory vaccines have not yet been developed against several of the most life-threatening conditions, including tuberculosis, malaria and HIV infection.
Planning before travel
Before departure, travellers should be advised about the risk of disease in the country or countries they plan to visit and the steps to be taken to prevent illness. There is no single vaccination schedule that fits all travellers. Each schedule must be individualized according to the traveller’s previous immunizations, health status and risk factors, the countries to be visited, the type and duration of travel, and the amount of time available before departure.
| Category | Rationale for vaccination | Vaccine |
|---|---|---|
| Travel-related
vaccines |
These vaccines are recommended to provide protection
against diseases endemic to the country of origin or of destination. They are intended to protect travellers and to prevent disease spread within and between countries. |
|
| Required
vaccines |
Some countries require proof of vaccination for travellers to
enter the country. |
|
| Routine
vaccines |
These vaccines are not specific to travellers, but the pre-travel
consultation is a good opportunity for health care providers to review the immunization status of infants, children, adolescents and adults. |
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