Protecting travellers from vaccine-preventable diseases

Abstract

Background: Protecting travellers from vaccine-preventable diseases is an essential part of pre-travel healthcare. With new vaccines available and others in development, the options for travellers are expanding.

Objective: This review focuses on pre-travel vaccination principles; outlines routine, required and recommended vaccines for travellers; and highlights emerging options.

Discussion: General practitioners play a crucial part in preparing travellers. This article outlines a comprehensive approach to pre-travel vaccination that considers individual needs, trip-related factors and recent updates to vaccine recommendations. It emphasises the importance of disease prevention over treatment and addresses practical aspects of pre-travel consultations, including administration of multiple vaccines, timing of doses and management of complex travel itineraries. A case study is included to illustrate the application of these principles in a real-world scenario.