Swine Flu Update: International Travel and Vaccine Shortage

By Rheyanne Weaver HERWriter

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With the spread of the swine flu, travelling internationally can be a concern. Travelers need to research on the country they are visiting and note the swine flu status. The Centers for Disease Control Web site has a traveler’s health section, so travelers can look up what vaccines they might need.

When travelling internationally, the CDC recommends that all recommended vaccinations be completed before travelling. The only required vaccination is for yellow fever, and this is only when visiting areas in Africa and South America. Also, those travelling to Saudi Arabia during the Hajj need a meningococcal vaccination.

According to an announcement on the CDC Web site, international travelers may soon have to undergo flu screenings when arriving in another country. However, the Web site states that the U.S. is not screening travelers coming to the U.S. or going to another country as of yet.

It is recommended that people with the swine flu not travel.

Mexico appears to be safer for travel now, since the CDC and U.S. Department of State Web sites don’t have new travel warnings issued for Mexico. Personally, I would stay away from travel in general, unless it is absolutely necessary, since crowded places like the airport seem to be more prone to have sick people in confined spaces. Also, you never know how many people in another country are actually being treated and how they’re dealing with the pandemic.

In April, Europeans were even urged to avoid non-essential travel to Mexico and the U.S., according to the Guardian. However, now that the vaccine is starting to arrive in many states, travel may become safer soon.

Besides travel, for some people there may be a concern for a swine flu vaccine shortage. Most states have at least some of the vaccine available, but generally only for priority groups. For states like Arizona, it is a slow process, especially since so many people are demanding the vaccine.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the U.S. and Mexico are seeing a shortage in the amount of swine flu vaccine being delivered. Apparently the process of creating the vaccine is going slower than planned. Therefore, it is more important than ever to have good hygiene and be smart about the swine flu (like washing hands and standing farther away from sick people). Be patient as well: let the priority groups get vaccinated first and then you will have your chance.

Sources:
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/content/vaccinations.aspx#scheduled
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/content/news-announcements/delays-H1N1-screening.aspx
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/apr/27/swine-flu-mexico
http://www.azdhs.gov/news/2009-all/StateResponseH1N1Continues101609.htm
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-sci-swine-flu17-2009oct17,0,4189877.story

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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.