CDA Urges Vaccination for Safe Year-End Travel Season

As the year-end travel season approaches, the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) of Singapore is urging holidaymakers to prioritize their health by obtaining necessary vaccinations and medications before traveling abroad. This guidance aims to mitigate the risk of preventable illnesses such as malaria and typhoid fever.

Vaccination Recommendations

The CDA, which was officially established in November 2023, recommends that travelers visit a travel health clinic at least four to six weeks prior to departure. This timeframe allows individuals to receive advice on required or recommended vaccinations and necessary precautions to maintain health during their journeys. “When people travel to neighboring countries, it feels familiar, so they often forget to get vaccines,” said Associate Professor Lim Poh Lian, group director of communicable diseases programs at the CDA. She highlighted that busy schedules and impulsive travel deals can lead to neglected preparations.

Last year, five residents of Singapore contracted malaria, while 14 individuals were diagnosed with typhoid fever, according to CDA data. Both diseases were linked to international travel. Singapore has maintained its malaria-free status since 1982, with the disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes, which thrive in stagnant water. Vaccination against malaria is advised for travelers heading to certain regions in Asia, Africa, and South America. Typhoid fever, caused by a strain of salmonella bacteria, is prevalent in South Asia and Southeast Asia and is transmitted through contaminated food or water.

Yellow Fever Precautions

Some destinations impose mandatory vaccinations, such as for yellow fever. While Singapore is free of this disease, failure to obtain the vaccine before returning may result in quarantine. The CDA has expressed concern over the potential introduction and spread of yellow fever within the country. Currently, 27 African nations, including Kenya and Uganda, as well as 13 Latin American countries such as Brazil and Colombia, are classified as high-risk areas for yellow fever outbreaks. According to the World Health Organization, the risk of international spread to unaffected regions remains a significant global health concern.

“Many people enjoy going on safari, and if you’re traveling to certain countries in Africa or South America, yellow fever vaccination is required,” stated Associate Professor Lim. “We advise travelers to check the list of countries with yellow fever vaccination requirements and ensure they are vaccinated before departure to avoid quarantine upon return.”

Protecting Against Respiratory Infections

In addition to travel-related diseases, respiratory infections can easily be contracted during trips or festive gatherings. Associate Professor Lim noted that the flu season is currently affecting the northern hemisphere, which is experiencing winter. “Even brief layovers can increase exposure to viruses,” she emphasized. Crowded airports, where travelers from various continents converge, heighten the risk of transmission. “Even if you’re headed to a warm destination in the southern hemisphere, you can still be exposed while traveling through airports,” she added. “It’s wise to receive vaccinations that protect against respiratory viruses.”

The CDA recommends that travelers prepare for potential illnesses by packing a small medical kit containing items like thermometers and antiseptic creams, which are readily available at pharmacies. To further assist the public, the agency is enhancing its website to include travel safety practices, health information categorized by destination, and entry requirements for various countries.