Vaccines for Travel: What You Need to Know

Basic vaccines are those that can be used in any country and are often given during early childhood and adolescence.
Before you leave, make sure you are up to date on your vaccinations and, in the case of measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox, if you have already had the disease.
The most common basic vaccines are tetanus, diphtheria, polio, measles, mumps and rubella, chickenpox and influenza for people at risk during the flu season.

Finally, Covid-19 has also changed travel conditions, and many destinations require a complete vaccination record to travel. Finally, remember to pack masks in your suitcase.

Yellow fever is a potentially fatal disease caused by a virus transmitted by the bite of a particular mosquito, called the Aedes mosquito. The disease is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa and South America. It can manifest as flu-like illnesses, to severe hepatitis and hemorrhagic fever. There is no specific therapy.

It is a mandatory vaccine for entry into certain countries: if you are traveling to a country that requires this vaccine, you must present an international certificate of vaccination, issued at least 10 days before departure, in establishments authorized by the Ministry of Health. The international certificate of vaccination is valid for 10 years. Vaccination can be administered in health centers authorized by the Ministry of Health, where the corresponding certificate is also issued.

Yellow fever vaccination is contraindicated in children under 9 months of age, during pregnancy and in the presence of significant immune deficiencies.
Side effects are common: headache, fever, muscle pain, which may occur several days after vaccination.

Tetanus is a serious disease that affects people with wounds contaminated by a bacterium that produces a particular toxin. It is characterized by painful muscle spasms. Vaccination is done in 3 doses, with boosters every ten years. Local side effects are common, such as redness and swelling at the injection site.

Diphtheria vaccine can also be given in addition to the tetanus vaccine. It protects against diphtheria, a serious bacterial disease still present in many countries, which is transmitted by air, by contact with a sick person or a healthy carrier of the bacterium.

Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by a virus found in water contaminated by sewage. Fever, lethargy, nausea and jaundice are all symptoms. The disease can persist from a few days to several months in some situations.

Anyone traveling to Africa, Asia (except Japan), Central America or South America is at risk of contracting the disease.

In addition to vaccination, the disease can be prevented by taking certain precautions with food and water, such as eating only cooked and hot foods and drinking only bottled or boiled beverages.
Vaccination consists of an intramuscular injection 20 days before departure and must be repeated after 6 to 12 months. There is no booster dose.

Meningococcal meningitis is a serious and potentially fatal disease caused by a bacterium that is transmitted through the respiratory tract. The bacterium is present in the nose and pharynx of sick or carrier individuals and is transmitted from person to person through direct contact via saliva droplets.
Vaccination against meningococcus is mandatory for people wishing to travel to Mecca for the annual pilgrimage, and strongly recommended in many other African countries.
Vaccination involves the administration of a single dose, the effectiveness of which extends over 3 to 5 years.

Poliomyelitis is an acute viral infection of the gastrointestinal tract, which is contracted by ingesting contaminated water or food.
Vaccination is recommended for people traveling to endemic countries. Europe and the Americas are polio-free, thanks to vaccination, but there are still cases of polio in Africa and Asia.
For adults who have already been vaccinated in childhood, a booster dose of inactivated vaccine is sufficient, while those who have never had the full vaccination cycle should receive 3 doses of vaccine.

Typhoid fever is caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi and manifests as high fever, headache, slow pulse, dry cough, and general malaise.
The disease is mainly contracted by ingesting contaminated water or food and is prevalent in tropical areas where water and food hygiene is poor. Vaccination is recommended for travelers to regions where typhoid fever is endemic, for example some countries in Central and South America, Africa and Asia, especially India, Indonesia, Nepal, New Guinea and Pakistan.

Hepatitis B is a viral disease characterized by lack of appetite, nausea and vomiting. Infection occurs during sexual intercourse with infected persons, through contact with infected blood and body fluids or with contaminated instruments. In 10% of cases, hepatitis B becomes chronic, with the possibility that the virus will eventually cause serious liver damage (cirrhosis, liver cancer).
Immunization consists of three intramuscular injections and should be administered at least one month before travel; nevertheless, it does not eliminate the need for post-exposure therapy; rather, it reduces the number of pricks required.

Cholera is a bacterial infection of the intestine caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It causes diarrhea and vomiting and is spread by ingesting contaminated water or food. Workers in humanitarian organizations operating in disaster-affected areas are particularly vulnerable.
Cholera is most prevalent in Africa and Asia, although it may also be present in South America.

In addition to vaccination, the disease is prevented by general precautions regarding food and drink.
Vaccination is given orally in 2 doses, one week apart, at least 15 days before departure and also reduces the risk of contracting "traveler's diarrhea". The protection conferred by the vaccine lasts approximately two years.
Side effects are quite rare and are limited to possible gastrointestinal disorders.

It should be noted that a vaccine almost never ensures 100% protection, so the traveler, even vaccinated, must remain cautious and apply all additional preventive measures against infection, especially regarding the consumption of food and beverages.