Get Vaccinated: CDA Urges Travellers to Prioritise Health

As the year-end travel season approaches, the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) in Singapore is urging holidaymakers to prioritise their health by obtaining necessary vaccinations and medications before embarking on trips abroad. This advisory, issued by the newly launched agency, aims to reduce cases of preventable illnesses, such as malaria and typhoid, that can arise from international travel.

Vaccination Recommendations for Travellers

Travellers are encouraged to visit a travel health clinic at least four to six weeks prior to their departure. This timeframe allows individuals to receive tailored advice on required or recommended vaccinations and strategies for maintaining good health during their journeys. Associate Professor Lim Poh Lian, group director of communicable diseases programmes at CDA, highlighted that many people overlook vaccinations, particularly when travelling to nearby countries where the environment feels familiar. “When people travel to neighbouring countries, it feels familiar so people forget to get vaccines,” she stated.

Recent data from the CDA reveals that last year, five residents from Singapore contracted malaria, while 14 reported cases of typhoid fever. The agency confirmed that the malaria cases were linked to international travel, while the typhoid cases were likely also contracted abroad. Singapore has been certified free of malaria since 1982, with the disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes that breed in stagnant water. Vaccination is recommended for those visiting specific regions in Asia, Africa, and South America.

Typhoid, caused by a strain of salmonella bacteria, spreads through contaminated food or water and is most prevalent in South Asia and Southeast Asia. Some travel destinations impose mandatory vaccinations, such as for yellow fever, which is not present in Singapore. A single dose of the yellow fever vaccine provides lifelong protection, but failure to obtain it prior to returning may lead to quarantine upon re-entry to Singapore.

Last month, CDA officials expressed concerns about the potential introduction and spread of yellow fever within Singapore. Currently, there are 27 African nations, including Kenya and Uganda, and 13 Latin American countries, such as Brazil, classified as high-risk for yellow fever outbreaks. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified the potential for international spread to unaffected regions as a significant global health security concern. “A lot of people like to go on safari, and if you’re traveling to certain countries in Africa or South America, yellow fever vaccination is required,” noted Associate Professor Lim. “So, we tell people: ‘Don’t be caught up. Please check the list of countries with yellow fever requirements and get vaccinated before you go, so you don’t end up in quarantine when you come home.’”

Protecting Against Respiratory Infections

In addition to preventable diseases, the CDA warns that respiratory infections can easily spread during travel, especially during festive gatherings. With the flu season currently affecting the northern hemisphere, the risk of exposure increases, even during brief transits. “When you’re in a crowded airport and you’ve got travellers from many different continents, it’s easy to get exposed,” said Associate Professor Lim. She emphasised that even when travelling to warmer destinations, such as those in the southern hemisphere, individuals may still encounter viruses during transit.

To mitigate the risk of illness while travelling, the CDA advises packing a small medical kit that includes items like thermometers and antiseptic creams, which are generally available at pharmacies. The agency is also in the process of updating its website to incorporate travel safety practices, health information by destination, and entry requirements.

As holiday travel ramps up, taking proactive health measures remains essential for ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience abroad. By prioritising vaccinations and personal health preparations, travellers can significantly reduce their risk of preventable diseases and respiratory infections during their journeys.