|
Influenza Vaccine Information for Travelers
Although influenza activity is low in the United States during the U.S. summer months with only sporadic outbreaks, influenza viruses can circulate at high levels in other parts of the world at that time. For example, the Southern Hemisphere usually experiences its flu season from April through September, and flu activity can occur year-round in the tropics. (Visit the international flu activity page <http://www.cdc.gov/flu/international/activity.htm> for an update on recent flu activity abroad.)
CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine yearly, preferably in the fall before the U.S. flu season begins. During other times of the year, however, people traveling to parts of the world where influenza activity is ongoing, and who have not gotten the vaccine for the current season, should get a flu vaccine to protect themselves while on their trip. This is particularly important for people at high risk of flu-related complications <http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/high_risk.htm>. This recommendation also applies to people who are traveling within the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere as part of large tourist groups (e.g., on cruise ships) that may include people from other parts of the world where flu activity is ongoing. For more information, see the entitled section "Travelers <http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/acip/specificpopulations.htm#travelers>" in the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) influenza guidance.
People should get vaccinated two weeks before travel because it takes two weeks for vaccine immunity to set in after vaccination. The 2010-2011 flu vaccine used in the Northern Hemisphere protects against the main viruses that have been circulating in other parts of the world. However, after June, flu vaccines will not be available in the U.S. until the 2011-2012 vaccine is available sometime in the fall.
|
Board of Health contact:
781-270-1955
Nurses contact:
781-270-1957
Hours:
Monday-Friday
8:30AM-4:30PM
BOH Home Page
|
