The Ever-Present Risk of Infectious Diseases

While international travel has become increasingly convenient, it also carries the risk of exposure to infectious diseases from different parts of the world. In fact, some countries still require proof of vaccination against diseases such as yellow fever or meningococcal infection as a condition for entry.

According to experts, vaccination not only protects individuals but also reduces the risk of disease transmission within communities, while minimizing disruptions to travel, study, or work plans caused by health issues.

Each journey presents its own risks, depending on the destination, duration of stay, purpose of travel, and planned activities. Therefore, there is no “one-size-fits-all” vaccination schedule.

Doctors recommend seeking vaccination consultation as early as possible, ideally at least four weeks before departure to allow sufficient time for immunity to develop. Some vaccines require time to become effective; for example, the yellow fever vaccine is only valid on international vaccination certificates 10 days after the first dose. Receiving vaccines too close to departure may lead to complications during entry procedures.

In addition to travel-related vaccines, individuals should also review and update routine immunizations such as measles–mumps–rubella (MMR), diphtheria–pertussis–tetanus (DPT), influenza, COVID-19, and hepatitis B if not fully vaccinated.

Choosing the Right Vaccines for Each Journey

Depending on the destination and individual health status, travelers may be advised to receive different types of vaccines.

Routine vaccines include MMR, varicella, polio, influenza, and COVID-19, which remain important as immunity gaps can increase infection risk.

Risk-based vaccines may include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, or cholera, especially for travel to areas with endemic diseases or limited sanitation conditions.

Additionally, some vaccines are required for entry or specific travel purposes, such as yellow fever or meningococcal vaccines for pilgrims traveling to Hajj or Umrah.

Special populations, including pregnant women, children, the elderly, individuals with chronic conditions, or those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, should undergo careful screening before vaccination to ensure safety.

What to Prepare Before Vaccination

To maximize the effectiveness of consultation and vaccination, individuals should prepare necessary information before visiting a healthcare facility.

This includes a detailed travel itinerary (destinations, transit points, duration, and purpose), vaccination records, medical history, current medications, and any history of allergies.

Experts advise against selecting vaccines based on hearsay, as each journey requires personalized consultation. Even if the departure date is approaching, a medical consultation remains essential to identify appropriate preventive measures.

A “Health Passport” for Every Journey

According to physicians, vaccination is not a mere formality but a proactive measure against real health risks. A properly administered vaccine can prevent severe illness, reduce transmission to others upon return, and ensure that travel plans proceed without interruption.

Individuals planning to study, work, or travel abroad should proactively review their vaccination status, particularly when visiting areas with ongoing outbreaks, staying for extended periods, or engaging closely with local communities.

Currently, travelers can register for consultation and vaccination at Bach Mai Hospital – a trusted and safe destination for all individuals, including those with underlying health conditions. The unit provides personalized vaccination counseling and issues vaccination certificates as required, helping travelers embark on their international journeys with confidence.