Which Vaccines Are Recommend for France's Summer Olympics

As we approach the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in late July and August, a recent study has looked into the possibility of using wastewater surveillance to detect priority pathogens that can be monitored during these events.

On July 11, 2024, the researchers published a list of 60 important pathogens in Eurosurveillance to be monitored for public health during the 2024 Games.

Six targets suitable for wastewater surveillance were successfully identified: poliovirus, influenza A virus, influenza B virus, mpox virus, SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, and measles virus.

These viruses are spread differently.... airborne and contact with an infected person. 

The researchers stated that the French health authorities were reviewing a proposal for a wastewater sampling strategy. Upon approval, the following steps will involve selecting sampling and partner laboratories to conduct the analyses.

Wastewater surveillance is relatively sensitive in detecting even a small number of cases of a virus and has the potential to provide early detection of virus outbreaks.

Instead of reacting to a disease outbreak, the World Health Organization recommends that international travelers be fully protected against vaccine-preventable diseases caused by these viruses.

France's Ministry of Health wrote on June 20, 2024, that each traveler (to France) is requested to verify their vaccination status and consult their doctor for any request for a new vaccine or vaccination renewal. Depending on your age, place of residence, health conditions, and vaccination status, this vaccination renewal request may include vaccines against measles, whooping cough, tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and any other disease.

The European CDC stated on July 12, 2024, that it will monitor this mass gathering event through epidemic intelligence activities between July 15 and September 13, 2024, in collaboration with Santé Publique France. Weekly updates will be included in the Communicable Disease Threats Report.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that travelers speak with a healthcare provider about vaccine options before departing to a health-risk environment such as Paris, France. 

In the United States, numerous pharmacies and travel clinics offer a variety of travel vaccines.