Immunization for overseas travel
Turner, A.C.
Practitioner 220(1320): 921-926
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0032-6518 PMID: 683932 Document Number: 138632
The latest recommendations for immunization for overseas travel by British nationals as of June 1978 are summarized. Immunizations are divided into 2 groups, 1) those required by International Health Regulations, and 2) those medically recommended. The WHO requires vaccination for smallpox, cholera and yellow fever, recorded on official WHO forms. Yellow fever vaccinations are good for 10 years, and are only given at special locations. Live viral vaccines (smallpox, yellow fever and polio) should be given 3 weeks apart if possible. Contraindications against receiving these vaccines are listed, along with alternate procedures in such cases. Vaccines in the medically recommended group include typhoid-paratyphoid, tetanus, poliomyelitis, plague, typhus and immunoglobulin for infective hepatitis. A polyvalent vaccine for typhoid, paratyphoid A and B, and tetanus is available. The effectiveness of paratyphoid B vaccine is in dispute, and reactions are troublesome. Tetanus and polio immunizations are a must. Plague and typhus shots often produce reactions, and the immunity is not always good, but injections are highly recommended for those travelling in the interior of affected areas. Rabies vaccination is not recommended unless the traveller is to work as a veterinarian. Measles and BCG are suggested for children who are going to live in endemic areas.