Let’s face it. Most everyone enjoys traveling. And now that international travel has rebounded, patients are on the move once again visiting countries and the places in between. Unfortunately, each country they land in carries different infectious diseases. Traveling abroad makes patients more likely to catch and spread infections that may be rare or non-existent in the U.S. Because of that, the CDC advises travelers to seek consultation 4 to 6 weeks before their departure. This allows time for getting multidose vaccine series and acceptable immune response.
The World Health Organization (WHO) categorized vaccines for travelers as routine and selective.
“Routine” vaccines include:
- Measles
- Influenza
- Tetanus
- Polio
“Selective” vaccines comprise of:
- Cholera
- Hepatitis A
- Japanese encephalitis
- Meningococcal disease
- Rabies
- Tick-borne encephalitis
- Typhoid
- Yellow fever
These depend on the travel destination and risk of exposure.
As a pharmacist, you’re essential in helping close the travel vaccine gap. In other words, you recognize patients who are planning international trips. You assess immunization requirements for their routine and where they’re traveling to. By using the newest CDC and WHO recommendations, you can quickly decide which vaccines (i.e. MMR, hepatitis A, typhoid, or influenza) are vital before the trip.
Despite clear recommendations, recent data shows that many vaccine-qualified travelers do not get the necessary immunizations during their pre-travel visits.
You can greatly lower the occurrence of vaccine-preventable infections in travelers and the communities they return to by:
- Checking travel plans regularly
- Using guideline recommendations
- Providing firm and clear vaccine recommendations
- Adjusting clinic operations to make vaccines available
International travel offers incredible opportunities. However, it also has unique health risks that can’t be ignored. By stepping into the gap. you ensure your patients aren’t only protected abroad but also safeguard the communities they return to. With proactive engagement and commitment to CDC and WHO guidance, you can transform travel health from a missed opportunity into a cornerstone of preventive care—helping your patients explore the world safely and responsibly.
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