Travelling immunization

E. Sagui, N. Resseguier, V. Machault, L. Ollivier, E. Orlandi-Pradines, G. Texier, F. Pages et al. Determinants of compliance with anti-vectorial protective measures among non-immune travellers during missions to tropical Africa, Malaria Journal, 10, 32, 2011, doi 10.1186/1475-2875-1110-1232. 

Immunization against cholera in individuals traveling to or living in countries where cholera is endemic or epidemic... 

The nurse advises those traveling to a foreign country to contact their primary health care provider or local health department well in advance of their departure date for information about the immunizations that will be needed. Immunizations should be given well in advance of departure because it may take several weeks to produce adequate immunity. 

Hepatitis B Hepatitis B vaccines provide another illustration of how drug products have advanced vdth increasing technical capability. Vaccination against hepatitis B is common pradice for health workers, travellers and others who may be at risk of exposure to the virus. The initial vaccines contained inactivated virus to promote the immune response necessary to proted against future infection by the live virus. However, there was always some concern in case there was not complete inactivation of the virus used for vaccination. Further research into the virus identified the surface proteins against which the immune response is raised. The genetic... 

Vaccines to be included within a national immunization and vaccination programme are chosen to reflect the infection risks within that country. Additional immunization, appropriate for persons travelling abroad, is intended not only to protect the at-risk individual, but also to prevent importing the disease into an unprotected home community. 

Whilst not recommended for routine administration, vaeoines additional to those represented in the juvenile programme are available for individuals in special risk categories. These categories relate to oeeupational risks or risks associated with travel abroad. Such immunization protocols include those directed against cholera, typhoid, meningitis (types A, C), anthrax, hepatitis A and B, influenza, Japanese encephahtis, rabies, tick-borne encephalitis, and yellow fever. 

Pre-exposure prophylaxis with IGIM is indicated for individuals at high risk of acquiring the HAV who cannot receive the hepatitis A vaccine (e.g., because of allergy to the components alum or 2-phenoxyethanol). Additionally, travelers who plan to depart for endemic areas within 2 weeks and have not yet received the hepatitis A vaccine should receive IGIM because active vaccine immunity takes several weeks to develop. 

Three typhoid vaccines are available currently for use in the United States (1) an oral live-attenuated vaccine (Vivotif Berna-TM vaccine, Swiss Serum and Vaccine Institute), (2) a parenteral heat-phenol-inactivated vaccine (Typhoid Vaccine, Wyeth-Ayerst), and (3) a parenteral capsular polysaccharide vaccine (Typhim Vi, Pasteur Merieux). Immunization is recommended only for travelers going to endemic areas such as Latin America, Asia, and Africa household contacts of a chronic carrier and laboratory personnel who frequently work with S. typhi.13... 

Polyclonal antibody preparations have been used for several decades to induce passive immunization against infectious diseases and other harmful agents, particularly toxins. The antibody preparations are usually administered by direct i.v. injection. While this affords immediate immunological protection, its effect is transitory, usually persisting for only 2-3 weeks (i.e. until the antibodies are excreted). Passive immunization can be used prophylactically (i.e. to prevent a future medical episode) or therapeutically (i.e. to treat a medical condition that is already established). An example of the former would be prior administration of a specific anti-snake toxin antibody preparation to an individual before they travel to a world region in which these snakes are commonly found. An example of the latter would be administration of the anti-venom antibody immediately after the individual has experienced a snake bite. 

These schedules indicate the recommended age groups and medical indications for which administration of currently licensed vaccines is commonly indicated for adults ages 19 years and older, as of October 1,2007, Licensed combination vaccines maybe used whenever any components of toe combination are indicated and when the vaccine s other components are not contraindicated. For detailed recommendations on all vaccines, including those used primarily for travelers or that are issued during toe year, consult the manufacturers package inserts and the complete statements from toe Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (wmcdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/acip-list.htm). ... 

I got to the point where I couldn t vacuum or stand and cook for myself. I ve gotten better since I ve been treated for some of the chemical sensitivities and some of the allergies to relieve the stress on my immune system. But I can t go into stores or malls—it s become very dangerous for me—and I don t have a social life, except for a couple of friends I m in contact with. At this time in my life I should be able to visit friends in other places, but I cringe at traveling because where am I going to stay And how am I going to function Even... 

Some of the reasons for the return are as follows (i) new breeding grounds for the insects that are vectors for some pathogens (ii) antigenic drift in viruses and bacteria (iii) resistance to antibiotics (iv) a decrease in the effectiveness of the immune system due to the presence of other more chronic infections, poor nutrition or stress (v) expansion of air travel. 

Hepatitis A Inactivated virus Intramuscular One dose (administer at least 2 to 4 weeks before travel to endemic areas) and booster at 6 to 12 months for long-term immunity. 

Where antigens are introduced into the body intravenously, they usually travel rapidly to the spleen, followed by the fast production of an antibody. Subcutaneous or lntradermal injection of antigens most frequently localizes in the lymph nodes and antigens that are inhaled favor local sensidzadon. In some cases, such as tetanus immunization, loxin produced by the bacteria may be slow and insufficient to provoke a significant immunologic reaction. Thus, the requirement for properly timed booster injections. 

Hepatitis A Inactivated virus Intramuscular One dose (administer at least 2-4 weeks before travel to endemic areas) At 6-12 months for long-term immunity 1. Travel ers to hepatit is A endem ic areas 2. Homo sexual and bisexu al men 3. Illicit drug users 4. Chron ic liver diseas e or clottin g factor disord ers 5. Person s with occup ational risk for infecti on 6. Person s living in, or relocat ing to, endem ic... 

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