International Travel Vaccine Recommendations

U.S. travelers visiting or working in other parts of the world must protect themselves against viruses that can be transmitted by animals or humans.These viruses include Japanese encephalitis, typhoid fever, yellow fever, polio, rabies, and hepatitis A. Reviewing these vaccine-preventable diseases will enhance the pharmacist's knowledge about the appropriate preventive measures to undertake in order to avoid illness. Preventive measures include basic handwashing, proper selection of clothing for activities in risk-prone areas, and vaccines. Pharmacists are on the front line to provide patient counseling and help travelers determine which vaccines are necessary to prevent diseases.