Immunizing in a Global Society: Vaccines for Travelers.

Abstract

The risk of travel-related illnesses that require vaccines varies depending on destination and traveler characteristics. Travelers who are not immune and going to countries and regions with endemic diseases are at risk of contracting vaccine-preventable diseases; they can serve as conduits of the disease on return to their home country. Individual travelers can work with a health care professional to assess travel risk based on diseases endemic to the region, time of year of travel, and presence of acute outbreaks. Travelers should discuss personal medical history, immunization status, purpose of trip, and other individual risk factors to help determine which vaccines they need.