World Tourism Day Embraces Travel Vaccines

Today, the World Committee on Tourism Ethics, which reports to the World Tourism Organization General Assembly, announced World Tourism Day 2024, reflecting on the connection between tourism and peace.

'Sustainable tourism can transform communities – creating jobs, fostering inclusion, and strengthening local economies,' commented António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General, in a media statement on September 27, 2024.

'As we celebrate tourism, let us travel responsibly, build bridges, and promote mutual respect among cultures and nations.'

A significant focus in 2024 has been leveraging travel vaccinations to reduce the spread of infectious diseases.

Research shows tens of millions of people are not appropriately vaccinated before visiting disease-endemic countries. The data indicates that last-minute travelers deferred about 18% of protective vaccines because of insufficient time before departure.

To clarify where disease outbreaks are active, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publishes Travel Health Notices (THNs) to inform travelers about the following:

1) a disease outbreak (higher number of expected cases) in a country or region,

2) sporadic cases of a disease in an unusual or new geographic location,

3) natural and human-made disasters with severe environmental health risks or infrastructure damage that would limit healthcare services availability and

4) mass gathering events that can lead to disease outbreaks.

These THNs recommend that most vaccines be administered at least one month, if not earlier, before traveling. The time between the vaccine's administration and the start of travel is a significant concern for older adults whose immunization systems need more time to benefit from vaccination fully.

Furthermore, the CDC advises travelers to discuss options with vaccine experts when determining which approved product is relevant for their pending trip abroad.

For example, the U.S. FDA recently approved Valneva SE's IXCHIQ® chikungunya vaccine to address the global expansion of this mosquito-transmitted disease.

'We continue to prioritize the development of new vaccines for vector-borne diseases to help keep those traveling internationally safe. To learn more about our commitment to travel health and empowering adventures with innovative vaccines, please click on Valneva Travel Health,' wrote Valneva on September 27, 2024.

The CDC also encourages travelers to speak with certified travel clinics and pharmacists.

Jeanne Waggener, R.Ph., informed Vax-Before-Travel on September 27, 2024, that when selecting which travel vaccine meets a traveler's needs, pharmacists are generally available to share their keen insights on the global expansion of mosquito-transmitted diseases.

A recent study confirmed that most people take preventive action when a healthcare provider presents trustworthy information, added Waggener.