by Mark Gershman, Rhett Stoney (Yellow Fever), Holly Biggs, Kathrine Tan (Malaria)
Planning a trip to Cambodia? Before you embark on your adventure, it’s crucial to stay informed about the necessary vaccinations and preventive measures. In this article, we’ll provide you with up-to-date information on yellow fever (YF) vaccine requirements and recommendations, as well as malaria transmission information and prevention recommendations specific to Cambodia. Let’s dive in!
Yellow Fever Vaccine
Entry Requirements
When it comes to yellow fever vaccination, entry requirements under the International Health Regulations (IHR) may differ from the recommendations provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Countries have the authority to establish their own YF vaccine entry requirements to prevent the transmission of the virus. Some countries require proof of vaccination from all travelers, while others have specific age restrictions and only require proof from travelers arriving from countries with a risk of YF transmission. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies areas with risk as countries or areas where YF virus activity is present, along with the presence of vectors and animal reservoirs.
It’s important to note that unless you have a medical waiver from a yellow fever vaccine provider, compliance with entry requirements for proof of vaccination is mandatory.
To stay updated on specific entry requirements, refer to the online version of this book and the CDC Travelers’ Health website before your departure.
CDC Recommendations
The CDC provides recommendations for yellow fever vaccination aimed at protecting travelers from acquiring YF virus infections during international travel. These recommendations are based on a classification system that assesses the risk of YF virus transmission in specific destinations. The categories include endemic, transitional, low potential for exposure, and no risk.
For travel to areas classified as having endemic or transitional risk, CDC recommends yellow fever vaccination. However, it’s important to stay informed about any changes in YF virus circulation, as recommendations can be subject to change. Before your departure, check the CDC’s destination pages for the most up-to-date information on YF vaccines.
Duration of Protection
In 2015, the US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices made a recommendation stating that a single dose of the yellow fever vaccine provides long-lasting protection and is sufficient for most travelers. Additional doses may be necessary for specific groups of travelers or under certain circumstances, which are outlined in the official recommendation.
The World Health Organization amended the IHR in July 2016, stipulating that a completed International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis is valid for the lifetime of the vaccinee. Booster doses for yellow fever are no longer required, and countries cannot demand proof of revaccination, even if the last vaccination was more than 10 years ago.
When making a decision about vaccination, healthcare professionals should consider the risk of YF virus infection in the destination, as well as individual risk factors such as age and immune status, in relation to entry requirements.
For a comprehensive discussion on yellow fever disease and vaccination guidance, please refer to the Yellow Fever chapter in Sec. 5, Part 2 of this book.
Remember, staying informed and following the recommended vaccination guidelines will help ensure a safe and healthy trip to Cambodia. For further information and updates, visit the CDC Travelers’ Health website.
Disclaimer: The information provided here reflects the state of knowledge at the time of publication and is subject to change due to evolving disease transmission and entry requirements for travelers.
