How does COVID-19 Affect Traveler Immunization Recommendations?

  The COVID-19 pandemic has definitely affected the way we travel and the health recommendations for travelers. Among these changes is the impact on vaccination recommendations. Here's what we should know about it.

   COVID-19 vaccine

  The most obvious impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on vaccination recommendations is the advent of the COVID-19 vaccine. Many countries now recommend COVID-19 vaccination for their citizens, including travelers. The vaccine not only protects against severe disease, but can also facilitate travel, as some countries have made the vaccine a requirement for entry.

   Vaccination schedule

  Covid-19 can also affect vaccination schedules. In some situations, vaccinations for other diseases may be delayed or postponed to allow for the Covid-19 vaccine. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that other vaccinations not be given within two weeks of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. This is a precautionary recommendation to better monitor side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine.

   Vaccine availability

  The pandemic may also affect the availability of some travel vaccinations. Due to the downtime in vaccine production, distribution and administration during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, some travel vaccines may be more difficult to access than usual.

   Routine vaccinations

  Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many people may delay or skip routine vaccinations. This is worrisome because routine vaccinations protect us from many serious diseases. If you are planning to travel, it is very important to make sure your routine vaccinations are up to date.

  In summary, COVID-19 has significantly affected vaccination recommendations for travelers. COVID-19 vaccines have become a key component of travel health protection. At the same time, it is invariably important to follow recommendations for other travel and routine vaccinations to ensure the broadest protection against infectious diseases.