Travel opens the door to new cultures and experiences, but it can also expose travellers to infectious diseases that may be uncommon at home. Whether travelling for holiday, business, pilgrimage, study or work, vaccination should be an important part of pre-travel planning.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), travellers should ensure their routine vaccinations are up to date and may need additional vaccines based on their destination, duration and nature of travel.¹
Why Are Travel Vaccines Important?
Travellers can encounter infections through contaminated food and water, insect bites, close contact with local populations, animal bites, respiratory droplets, contaminated blood or medical equipment, and outdoor activities.
There is no single vaccine schedule for every traveller. Recommendations depend on the destination, duration and purpose of travel, activities, age, previous vaccination and individual health circumstances. Some countries may also require vaccination certificates for entry.¹
Key Travel Vaccines
Routine Vaccines: Travellers should check that routine vaccinations such as MMR, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, influenza, hepatitis B and varicella are up to date.¹
Hepatitis A: Spread mainly through contaminated food and water. Vaccination is particularly relevant when travelling to areas where sanitation and access to safe water may be limited.²
Hepatitis B: Spread through infected blood and body fluids. Potential travel-related exposure includes medical or dental procedures, accidental injuries, tattooing, piercing and contaminated needles or blood products.²
Typhoid: Transmitted mainly through contaminated food and water, with greater risk in areas where sanitation and safe-water infrastructure are limited.²
Yellow Fever: A mosquito-borne disease found in parts of sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America. Vaccination may be recommended or required for certain destinations.²
Japanese Encephalitis: A mosquito-borne disease found mainly in parts of Asia and the Western Pacific. It may be relevant for longer stays, rural travel and extensive outdoor activities.²
Rabies: Rabies is nearly 100% fatal once clinical symptoms appear but preventable through vaccination and prompt post-exposure treatment. Pre-exposure vaccination may be considered for travellers with increased animal exposure or limited access to medical care.²
Meningococcal Disease & Cholera: Vaccination may be recommended for travellers visiting specific high-risk areas, including regions with increased meningococcal transmission or cholera outbreaks.²
Influenza: Crowded airports, aircraft, public transport and tourist destinations can increase exposure to influenza, making vaccination an important consideration for many travellers.¹
Plan Before You Travel-
Travel vaccination is not limited to international travel. Disease risks can also vary by region, season, accommodation and activities within a country.
Ideally, consult a healthcare professional several weeks before travel to review routine vaccinations and determine which additional vaccines may be appropriate for your destination and travel plans.
Source
- Dr. Kumar Rohit
Consultant Pediatrician Hospital/Clinic name-Baby & Child care
Prachee Institute for Mother & Child Care
Patna, Bihar, India
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