Influenza Vaccine: New Indication for Travelers

Contemporary with elucidating the travel-related morbidity and mortality impact of influenza, health care providers emphasized general populations and medical practitioner to medical and economic benefit of vaccination before journey. However influenza in travelers is the second most common vaccine-preventable infection, travelers are major suspected persons in propagation of influenza outbreaks at any time of the year and anywhere. Unfortunately general acceptance of this strategy of prevention is low and its remains to be improved. Considering accretion travel frequency worldwide, lack of general epidemiological data and uniform international advisory guidelines on influenza vaccination should be solved by clinical experts in travel medicine. This article presents current information on indications, mechanisms of action, efficacy and practical aspects to emphasize importance of influenza vaccination in travelers.