Public Health Risks Associated with Vaccine-Preventable Diseases While Traveling

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.

The recommended immunizations for all global travelers include:

• COVID-19
• Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis
• Hepatitis A and hepatitis B
• Influenza
• Measles, mumps, and rubella
• Meningococcal
• Pneumococcal
• Polio
• Rotavirus
• Varicella (chickenpox)

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.   

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. Proof of vaccination may be required upon entry to a new country. 

Travel vaccinations are important to protect individual human capital and public health, 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 travel 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 travel health risk assessment or trip brief process, encourage travelers to consult a specialized medical professional to identify vaccine requirements and recommendations.

TIP: A pre-travel medical consultation can help travelers identify vaccine requirements and recommendations for destination countries.

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