Update and practical advice for travel vaccinations and consultations in primary care

Abstract

Update and practical advice for travel vaccinations and consultations in primary care Abstract. Health issues during travels are common. Infections are amongst the most frequent problem besides accidents and cardiovascular events. Prevention is based on avoiding risks, drug prophylaxis and vaccinations. This article focuses on travel vaccinations and aims to provide a general update and practical advice for travel consultations in primary care. Vaccine-preventable infections are systematically summarized, including a specific risk assessment for children, general vaccination indication, vaccination schedule, and information particularities of specific vaccines. Updating the vaccination status is often neglected in regular GP consultations for adult patients. Appointments for travel advice are therefore an ideal and important means of checking and completing the recommended basic and booster immunizations. Travel immunizations typically aim at providing an individual protection from infection. In contrast, basic vaccinations also consider altruistic aspects such as herd immunity. Since ambivalence or skepticism about vaccination is widespread, this discrepancy may result in discussions. Travel consultations may therefore generate opportunities to clarify general ambivalences towards vaccinations. Based on the concept of "Motivational Interviewing", we show communicative possibilities to reduce ambivalence and resistance and ideally to promote the willingness to vaccinate through shared decision-making.