Precautions for Travellers


Advice on Flu Vaccination

In view of the current worldwide shortage of the vaccine, the group that would benefit most from influenza vaccination are those in these high-risk groups, in particular if they are travelling to temperate countries in the northern hemisphere.

High risk groups refer to:

• The elderly aged 65 years or above;
• Persons with chronic heart and lung diseases;
• Persons with diabetes, renal diseases, heart or lung diseases.

Children and teenagers aged 6 months to 18 years who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and women in the second or third trimester of pregnancy are also encouraged to be vaccinated.

Young and healthy persons visiting temperate countries in the Northern Hemisphere are not in the high-risk group.

In healthy individuals, influenza is usually a self-limiting disease. The best way to stay healthy is to keep a high standard of personal hygiene.

The public can consult their family doctor for further advice on influenza vaccination. The vaccine against human influenza is available at polyclinics, general practitioner's clinics and traveller's clinics.