Immunization

---

The widespread implementation of childhood vaccination programs has substantially reduced the occurrence of many vaccine-preventable diseases. However, adults may be at risk for these diseases and their complications if they escaped natural infection or have not been vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox) and poliomyelitis.

Other vaccine-preventable diseases (hepatitis B, rabies, influenza, and

pneumococcal disease) may pose a risk to persons in certain age, occupational, environmental, and life-style groups and those with special health problems:

• Women of child-bearing age should be fully immunized to protect themselves and, in the case of pregnancy, their unborn child.
• Travelers to some countries may also be at increased risk of exposure to vaccine-preventable illnesses.
• Foreign students, immigrants, and refugees may be susceptible to these diseases.

A systematic approach to vaccination is necessary to ensure that every adult is appropriately protected against vaccine-preventable diseases.  

Determine if there are vaccination requirements for your intended destination. It may require several months to receive the adequate number and type of vaccines, toxoids and/or prophylaxis.

International travelers may be required or encouraged to receive additional vaccines, toxoids and/or prophylaxis prior to departure from the United States.

In general, to reduce the risk of infection, travelers must:

1. Protect themselves from insects;
2. Ensure the quality of their food and drinking water; and
3. Be knowledgeable about potential diseases in the region to be visited (CDC).