Foreign travel and immunization guidelines
International travelers and health care providers looking for a guide to immunization shots for foreign travel outside of the USA, may contact the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), as they offer an online, bi-annual publication about global immunization requirements. This is also published in book form, as CDC Health Information for International Travel 2010 - The Yellow Book. (1)
The Travelers' Health web page has some valuable information about vaccines, travel health warnings and precautions. (2)
Obtaining appropriate immunization is important with respect to disease prevention and control and more important when one is traveling or working abroad.
It is a good idea to become aware of immunization that is administered routinely in the
.
"Vaccinations against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, poliomyelitis, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenza type b, rotavirus, influenza, human papillomavirus, and meningococcal invasive disease are routinely administered in the
When one enters a foreign country, these kinds of immunization may not be mandatory in that part of the world, but having obtained the immunization will help to protect those who are traveling.
"If persons do not have a history of adequate protection against these diseases, immunizations appropriate to their age and previous immunization status should be obtained, whether or not international travel is planned. A visit to a provider for immunizations for travel should be seen as an opportunity to bring an incompletely vaccinated person up-to-date on his or her routine vaccinations." (4)
A traveler's destination plans will determine what additional immunization may be required. Note that every country that one may enter en route to one's destination must included, as temporary stopovers may be necessary.
The following web page gives immunization information for specific locations that may be targeted on a map.
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list.aspx
Anyone traveling to
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/canada.aspx
If a person wishes to check on the status of a current medical situation like the spread of the H1N1 virus, in a particular country or region, the following web page may be accessed.
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/content/outbreak-notice/novel-h1n1-flu-global-situation.aspx
Here is an example of a current health status report: At the moment, the H1N1 virus appears to be on the decline in the northern hemisphere and on the increase in the southern hemisphere, probably due to the seasons.
Other immunization tips for travelers include the following:
Visit your doctor four to six weeks prior to traveling, as several kinds of immunization may be required and a number of doctor's visits may be necessary, to complete all of the shots.
Be aware that there are three different types of immunization, those that are routine, recommended and
required. Make certain you have all three kinds of immunization up to date, prior to your departure date.
Always carry a record of your immunization with you when you travel.
Obtain current information about the immunization requirements for any specific location or country where you plan to visit. Note that this may vary to some degree depending upon your destination, as well as the details of your proposed travel plans. What you are immunized for, must be assessed with respect to whether you will be spending time in rural areas, the season during which when you plan to travel, your age and general health, as well as any previous immunization that you may have received prior to that time.
Specific immunization recommendations may be directed toward travelers who have deficiencies of the immune system like AIDS/HIV, pregnant women or any women who are breast feeding, as well as infants and children or those with special needs.
Before you depart, make a point of being informed about any potential health risks, as well as health-related recommendations for travelers. Stay informed while you are traveling.
Carry a travel health kit containing first aid and medical supplies appropriate for your destination.
If you are traveling to a foreign country and know that you may need information about medical care or assistance, you may call the Overseas Citizens Services at 1-888-407-4747 (from the
Further information on immunization, as it pertains to immunization shots for foreign travel outside of the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
30333
Telephone 800-232-4636
TTY 888-232-6348 (24 hours per day)
E-mail: cdcinfo@cdc.gov
Enjoy traveling knowing that your immunization needs have been taken care of before you leave.
(1) http://www.cdc.gov/Features/YellowBook2010/
(2) http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/
(3) http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2010/chapter-2/general-recommendations-vaccination-and-
immunoprophylaxis.aspx
(4) http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2010/chapter-2/general-recommendations-vaccination-and-immunoprophylaxis.aspx
(5) http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/content/outbreak-notice/novel-h1n1-flu-global-situations.aspx
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