When it comes to public health, one of the easiest ways to avoid illness is by being vaccinated against preventable diseases. Authorities can mandate certain vaccines to keep their citizens healthy, typically as part of a routine childhood vaccination program; however, vaccine initiatives face many challenges.
People opt out of these immunizations for a variety of reasons, and in many areas, ongoing programs are offset by funding decreases, mass population movements, refugee concerns, and security issues that affect delivery to vulnerable populations.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 50 percent of international travelers become ill during their trips to developing countries; some of these illnesses are preventable. Many people are unaware of their vaccine status or new vaccines that have recently been developed. Lacking awareness of either factor can put individuals at risk when they set out for their international travel
Travel Risks and Immunizations
A person who is vulnerable to a vaccine-preventable disease runs the risk of transmitting it to another vulnerable person when entering a new area. It’s imperative that travelers research which vaccines are recommended or mandatory prior to traveling. Many vaccination programs were temporarily halted at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic due to widespread lockdowns; therefore, pockets of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, mumps, pertussis, and diphtheria may emerge in areas where these diseases were previously controlled.
The recommended immunizations for all global travelers include:
- Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis
- Seasonal influenza -annually
- Measles, mumps, and rubella
- Pneumococcal disease, especially if aged 65 years or older
- Hepatitis A and B
- Varicella (chickenpox)
- COVID-19, if available
Depending on the destination country, health authorities may recommend other vaccines in addition to the above list. Keep in mind that some recommended vaccines require multiple doses administered over several weeks; pre-travel planning is imperative.
Health Trends to Watch
In recent years, international health authorities noted a marked increase in the global number of measles cases – one of the most easily transmitted vaccine-preventable diseases. Even countries with traditionally high vaccination rates have seen some communities experience declining immunization in the past several decades due to religious reasons or misinformation about vaccine safety.
This trend of declining vaccination rates is alarming, as areas that had seen the nearly complete eradication of measles are experiencing outbreaks once again. The cost of direct and indirect illness care, care for sick children, lost productivity, and disease-associated complications can be substantial.
Travelers should know their immunization status to prevent becoming victims during an unexpected outbreak of any vaccine-preventable disease. Authorities also recommend being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to travel; proof of such vaccination may be required for entry.
Importance of Up-to-Date Immunizations for Global Travelers
Vaccinations are important to protect individual human capital, as well as for broader, continued corporate productivity. Organizations can facilitate getting appropriate immunizations by identifying in advance those who are slated to travel and getting them to the proper healthcare professional to ensure they receive appropriate vaccinations.
Finally, individuals are advised to check with a reputable source of travel medical information at least six weeks prior to departures, such as the UK’s Travel Health Pro, the Public Health Agency of Canada, or the US CDC for details on recommended vaccines and documentation before traveling abroad.
TIP: As part of a pre-trip risk assessment or trip brief process, encourage travelers to consult a specialized medical professional to identify vaccine requirements and recommendations.
TIP: A pre-travel consultation can help travelers identify vaccine requirements and recommendations for destination countries.
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