- Eradicated or unknown diseases in the U.S. are present in many foreign countries.
- Employers can protect the health of their business travelers by providing them with a Travel Medicine Program. This includes pre-travel vaccinations, a pre-travel physical exam, and a travel health consultation.
- A Travel Medicine Program will result in a considerable return on investment from diminished employee medical costs, less absenteeism, and greater productivity.
- Business travelers are at a higher risk of disease exposure.
- A single day of missed work abroad costs corporations an average of $1,201.
Your company just landed that hard-won overseas contract. Now, you are preparing to send a team of highly-trained specialists around the globe to implement the deal. Sending employees overseas involves more than securing passports, plane tickets, and hotel reservations. It is also crucial to ensure employees are up-to-date on travel vaccines and knowledgeable about health issues. A Travel Medicine Program is key to protecting your investment – in your people and in your business.
Your company is likely staffed with globe-trotters. Global travel is at all all-time high, and much of that is driven by corporate travel. The latest statistics from the United Nations World Tourism Organization show that 1.035 billion tourists traveled the globe in 2012. Of those billion plus travelers, approximately 27 percent, or 280 million employees, traveled on business.
As businesses seek new deals, new markets, and lower production costs, the exposure to risk increases. International business travelers have an increased risk for injury, illness, and exposure to diseases that are unknown at home. This can raise the corporate liability of employers.
One way for employers to protect the health and well-being of employees is preventing disease in the first place. A Travel Medicine Program that includes pre-travel vaccinations, a pre-travel physical exam, and a travel health consultation is the key to doing this.
What Are The Benefits of Vaccination?
The life-saving benefits of immunizations are widely documented. According to the World Health Organization, 2 to 3 million deaths are prevented globally each year as a result of vaccination efforts. Industry-leaders like the Gates Foundation recognize the overwhelmingly positive impact of vaccines. The Foundation has invested $10 billion to strengthen global immunization programs and save 10 million lives by 2020.
Many health risks that come with global travel are not routinely vaccinated against in the U.S. Without guidance, employees may be unaware of the disease risk in their destination country. A Travel Medicine Program will help ensure your employees are aware of, inoculated against, and equipped with a strategy to handle health concerns abroad. It will result in considerable return on investment from diminished employee medical costs, less absenteeism, and greater productivity. More importantly, it may save a life.
The Health Risks of International Travel: Disease Exposure
International travel poses some inherent risks. Many countries have disease that are not present in the United States. Because of this, various vaccinations have been recommended by the Centers for Disease Control for travelers:
- Typhoid– A food and water borne illness, typhoid affects millions of people every year.
- Yellow Fever– This mosquito-borne in many parts of the world, especially South America and Africa. Some countries require this vaccine in order to enter.
- Rabies– While not always recommended, the rabies vaccine is something to seriously consider for long-term travelers to certain regions.
- Polio– This disease is still present in some parts of the world, if you have not already been vaccinated, you may need to be.
- Japanese Encephalitis– Common throughout Asia, this vaccine is very important for travelers to the region.
- Hepatitis A– Another foodborne disease, hepatitis A outbreaks have been documented in many countries over the last five years including developed nations.
- MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella)– Most of these diseases have been eliminated in the U.S. but are still common in other nations.
Not all infections can be prevented with vaccination. Some require pills or can only be remedied, not necessarily avoided:
- Malaria– Some countries are still struggling with malaria. If you plan on traveling to an affected region, antimalarials are a must.
- Traveler’s Diarrhea– The most common ailment amont travelers. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine to prevent this illness. But, there are many good remedies like DiaResQ.
To learn more about these infections and their vaccines or treatments, see their respective pages.
The risks of disease abroad are not just hypothetical. A recent case study showed just how tragic the lack of pre-travel education and vaccination can be:
When 15-year-old Cara Munn traveled to China for a summer study abroad program with her prep school, no one from the program warned her or her parents about insect-transmitted diseases in China, and no one took steps to ensure the high school students were taking precautions against insect bites during the trip. The result – Cara Munn contracted encephalitis after a tick bite on a school hiking trip near Mount Panshan. Cara’s family arranged for her medical evacuation, but her illness brought with it a host of life-long injuries, including the inability to speak. A jury found her school, which sponsored and led the trip, guilty of negligence. Cara Munn and her family were awarded $41.7 million in damages.
With global air travel on the rise, both the CDC and WHO have reported an increased risk of exposure to infectious diseases. Some infections like measles and mumps are passing into the United States through unvaccinated people.
Mitigate Health Risks with Travel Medicine
Disease risks can be mitigated by a Travel Medicine program that includes:
- Travel vaccines – protect against disease
- Health advice – prepare for health risks in the destination country
- Pre-travel physical exam – identify latent conditions
These programs protect a company’s investment in its employees and save employees the heartache and hassle of being sick while away from home. By providing protection against diseases and by helping pinpoint health issues, the risk of medical emergencies occurring abroad is greatly mitigated. The risks of travel and resulting need for travel medicine are clear.
What Is A Typical Travel Medicine Appointment Like?
First, an office visit should be scheduled at least six weeks before travel. Some vaccines will take a few weeks to fully protect someone. The appointment will include:
- A review of prior immunizations to determine whether booster shots are required.
- Routine vaccinations, against diseases such as polio, measles, or hepatitis B may be given based on medical history.
- Other, destination-specific vaccinations such as yellow fever, typhoid fever, and rabies, may be given based on a traveler’s itinerary
- A routine physical exam helps to identify latent health issues.
By scheduling an office visit well in advance of a trip, business travelers and their employers can rest easy, knowing that vaccinations provide crucial protection from foreign diseases.
A typical Travel Medicine appointment only requires about an hour of time. Much less time and money than having a sick employee abroad. The choice is clear: it pays to be prepared.
Decreased Healthcare and Insurance Costs
A Travel Medicine Program does not just save time and protect health. It also saves money through decreased healthcare and insurance costs. According to the U.S. Department of State, most American health plans are not accepted abroad. Employees would have to pay out of pocket for emergency care. In many places, doctors and hospitals still expect payment in cash at the time of service.
Medical coverage from a United States insurer may not cover treatment of complications from a vaccine-preventable disease. If an employee becomes severely ill from a disease, treatment can become an heavy cost burden.
Most insurance plans do not cover travel vaccinations in the first place. If employers do not offer a Travel Medicine Program, it is up to the employee to seek out and pay for Travel Medicine services on his or her own.
Often, employees don’t take that extra precautionary step. They are too busy, uncertain about where to find the services, or unaware of the risks. In the case an employee does have the time, he or she will have to submit expense reports and receipts for pre-travel medical expenses. This can add more paperwork and hassle for human resources managers. Leaving vaccination up to the individual means compliance is likely to be low, sickness is more likely and healthcare costs may rise.
Can Travel Vaccines Save Me Money?
From the standpoint of an employee traveling overseas, the benefits of vaccinations should be obvious. An hour visit with a Travel Medicine Specialist is preferable to even a day of sickness abroad. Travel medicine helps prevent lost workdays on important assignments and reduces the risk of medical evacuation.
If a company does not a have an insurance program in place that covers evacuation, it can be costly. Expenses can range from $10,000 for a last minute commercial plane ticket and travel preparations to $100,000 for a full evacuation with on-board medical assistance. No business wants to spend $100,000 unnecessarily. And in these situations, even a few days of lost employee time overseas represents a significant financial loss.
- Average Salary: $130,000
- Travel Days/Year: 19.4
- Wage Paid while Traveling: $6,910
- Average Cost of a Business Trip: $4,098
- Average Trips/Year: 3.8
What does it mean? The average business traveler takes four, five day trips per year.
- $23,302 = Total business travel wages and expenses per employee/year
- $1,201 = Business travel wages and expenses per employee/day
A consultation, physical exam, vaccinations, and medications may cost about $550. This represents 2.3% of the total travel investment on an annual basis. However, many travel vaccinations provide immunity for years. The cost of each appointment is likely to go down with time and more travel as many vaccines will already have been administered in the past. Over five years, the average business traveler takes 15.9 trips. Given a likely declining cost per appointment, the travel medicine investment over time becomes just a fraction of a percent.
“Vaccination makes good economic sense,” the WHO said in a recent briefing, “and meets the need to care for the weakest members of societies.” Travel Medicine and vaccinations save your company money and represent an important investment in the health of the traveling employee population.
Conclusion and Implications
Global business travel is on the rise. This makes corporate pre-travel health programs more important than ever. A Travel Medicine Program with pre-travel vaccinations and consultations makes good business sense. The initial investment is small but the savings have the potential to be astronomical.
How can you protect your employees from vaccine-preventable diseases, while also improving your company’s bottom line? A national account with Passport Health, the largest and leading nationwide provider of immunizations for international travel, makes pre-travel vaccination and education simple and easy for your corporate travelers and for your in-house human resources managers.
From yellow fever to rabies, Passport Health offers all of the vaccinations your business travelers need to ensure they are protected from vaccine-preventable diseases. Schedule a Consultation for Travel Vaccinations and Immunizations today.
Which Vaccines Do I Need For Europe?
One of the most popular travel destinations is Europe. Whether it’s a summer getaway or a winter holiday away from home, Europe has become a premier travel destination for US citizens. But, many travelers don’t realize that they may still need vaccinations before going even to these well-developed countries.
Do I Need Vaccines For Europe?
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travelers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travelers’ diarrhea kit!
Travel to Europe is different from trips to places like Africa or South America. European countries are often more developed and have few infectious diseases. Most travelers will only need routine vaccinations, and these include:
- MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) Vaccine– Over the last decade, measles outbreaks have become more common in Europe. Protect yourself with this simple immunization.
- TDaP (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis) Vaccine– Due in part to immigration patterns, some diseases like diphtheria have resurfaced in Europe.
- Flu Vaccine– Europe was hit especially hard by the flu this year. If you plan on traveling during a high flu time (September to April) be sure to have the vaccine before you go.
But, some regions will require some extra preparation. The CDC and WHO recommend the following for specific nations:
France
- Hepatitis A Vaccine– This common foodborne disease is a low risk in France, but the vaccine is recommended for adventurous eaters.
- Hepatitis B Vaccine– Transmitted through sexual contact and contaminated needles, consider this vaccine based on your itinerary.
- Rabies Vaccine– Rabies is present in France but mostly confined to the bat population. If you plan on being in an area where bats are present, you may consider this vaccine.
Germany
- MMR Vaccine– Making sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine as it is very important for travel to Germany. The country has been a hotbed of measles activity over the last five years, meaning it could pose a threat to unvaccinated travelers.
Russia
- Hepatitis A Vaccine– Hepatitis A is more prevalent in Russia than it is in some other European countries. Because of this, the CDC highly recommends the vaccine for travelers to the country.
- Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine– Depending on when, where and how long you will be traveling to rural areas of Russia, you may need this vaccine.
Turkey
While not technically a European country, Turkey is a prime destination for many travelers who are also visiting Europe, especially those who may be part of cruises or other tour groups that visit multiple countries.
- Typhoid Vaccine– You can contract typhoid through contaminated food or water in Turkey and many other nations. Consider this vaccine before you travel.
- Rabies Vaccine– Unlike France, rabies can be a serious issue in Turkey. Anyone planning to be outdoors for a long period of time and may come in contact with stray or wild animals should consider this vaccine.
- Antimalarial Medication– While malaria risk is low in Turkey, some cases have been detected. Speak with a travel health specialist before you go to learn if antimalarials are right for your trip.
Planning a trip to any of these countries, or Europe in general? Visit with a travel health specialist before you go. Passport Health clinicians are available across North America to serve you. Book online now or call us at .
What Other Health Concerns May Be Present In Europe?
The European continent is generally a safe place, but some additional considerations include:
- Bringing a diarrhea remedy like DiaResQ- Despite having fewer infectious diseases than some other regions, traveler’s diarrhea is still a threat in Europe. Be prepared before you go with treatments like DiaResQ.
- Watch for security alerts- In the last year, various security concerns have changed the European travel landscape. Be aware of what is going on, and consider registering your trip with the State Department.
To learn more about various vaccinations you may need before travel, see our travel vaccines page.
Preparing for a trip? Visit with a Passport Health travel specialist before you go. Our staff will provide you with the most up-to-date information on ways to keep you and your family healthy while abroad. Book online today or call us at .
Do you have any tips for travel to Europe? Let us know in the comments below, on Facebook or via Twitter.
Is Travel Good For You?
- Travel leads to higher educational achievement.
- Travel lowers stress levels and helps productivity at work.
- Travel leads to better relationships.
- Travel may lower the risk of heart disease.
Everyone loves to travel. Trips provide new experiences, adventures, and memories that last a lifetime. Not only is travel fun; it provides a variety of surprising personal and health benefits. Studies show travel leads to a greater learning capacity, increased feeling of happiness and satisfaction, better family relationships, and even decreased risk of heart disease.
Is Travel Good For My Health?
Travel has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease. A nine-year study of 12,000 men found that those who took at least one vacation per year were 30% less likely to die from heart disease. Another study showed individuals who didn’t take a vacation were twice as likely to have a heart attack.
Travel is also linked to a lower risk of depression. A 2005 study showed significantly decreased risk of depression among 15,000 women.
How Can I Stay Healthy While Traveling?
Travel is good for you for countless reasons, but to get the most out of your trip, staying healthy is a must! Make sure all your routine vaccinations are up-to-date including:
Some destinations, especially international ones, may require specific travel-related vaccines. A travel health specialist can help you identify what vaccines are right for your trip. The most common vaccinations are:
To learn more about what vaccines you may need for your upcoming trip, visit a Passport Health near you. Book online now or call us at .
Is Travel Good For My Mind?
Vacation and relaxation go hand-in-hand. Everyone needs time away from the office to rejuvenate. Studies show travel does reduce stress. It also improves our ability to handle stress long after we return home. Studies also show decreased stress in travelers had lower levels of stress hormones.
The benefits of travel and the resulting traveler’s high extend into the workplace as well. Employees who travel have lower rates of absenteeism, higher productivity levels, and generally report feeling less burnt out.
Travel is a learning experience. The new cultures, cuisines, sights, and sounds provide countless opportunities to experience and learn something new. Just being in another country increases the traveler’s knowledge and intercultural awareness.
Travel also helps students learn more. Studies show students who travel earn better grades than their peers who stay at home. These students also have stronger academic interests and more personal confidence. Students who travel abroad are almost twice as likely to complete a college degree.
Is Travel Good For My Relationships?
It’s common knowledge that travel helps to bring people together by building lifelong memories. Couples are strongly and positively affected by trips taken together. More than 75 percent of adults credit travel with improving their interpersonal relationships. Studies show family travel can also significantly reduce behavioral problems and illness in children.
Travel, with proper pre-trip planning and preventative measures, improves learning, happiness, relationships, and health. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your next trip today!
Make sure you prepare for that trip as well. Passport Health clinics are conveniently located to serve you throughout North America. Schedule online or book by phone today by calling .
What Vaccines Do I Need For South Africa?
A South African safari is a wildlife enthusiast’s trip of a lifetime. Proper pre-travel medical care is crucial to be able to relax and enjoy the stunning landscape. While you’re out and about in the wilderness, the last thing you want to deal with is an unexpected illness. A pre-travel health consultation with vaccinations given by a travel health specialist will help to ensure your well-being during your safari and upon your return home.
Which Vaccinations for South Africa May I Need?
The exact shots for South Africa will depend on your personal health history and the location of your safari. The World Health Organization generally recommends the following vaccines:
Is Malaria In South Africa?
Avoid mosquitoes and other bugs
Insect-borne disease are a
threat throughout the world.
Keep the bugs away with
Passport Health’s repellent options!
Malaria is present in South Africa and carries a fairly high risk in the northern parts of the country. Speak with a travel health specialist to learn more about whether you need antimalarials and what type is right for you.
According to the CDC, South Africa also has the following mosquito-borne diseases:
Other Tips For Your South Africa Trip
Whether it is your first safari or you’re an experienced safari enthusiast, taking a little time to adequately prepare before your trip can help you have the best possible experience. These five tips will get you started on the South African safari you’ve been dreaming of enjoying.
- Visit during the off-season- In South Africa, the off-season takes place in May through July. During this time of the year, the weather is cooler, prices are more affordable and the animal sightings are better. The more affordable prices during the South African winter months may allow you to stay in a more luxurious lodge or even spend a few extra days on your tour.
- Choose a safari off the beaten path- Instead of going for the most popular areas, select a place that’s a little off the beaten path. With fewer people, you may have a better chance of up-close observation of the wildlife.
- Slow down- In Canada and the United States, life is typically conducted at as fast a pace as possible. This is not the case in South Africa, and you shouldn’t be alarmed if your guide suddenly decides it’s time to take a three-hour nap or break for the day. Instead, take this opportunity to enjoy the scenery, and relax in the natural wonders that surround you.
- Immerse yourself, but avoid traveler’s diarrhea- Traveler’s diarrhea is one of the most common ailments. Up to 80 percent of tourists will have some form of illness with this symptom. Avoid risky food choices and consider bringing a diarrhea remedy like DiaResQ.
- Get a pre-travel health consultation and vaccines-– A visit with a Passport Health travel health specialist will help to ensure that you’re healthy and ready to go on safari. Schedule your travel health checkup six weeks before your departure date. This will allow your body to make antibodies after receiving recommended vaccinations. Our travel health specialist will also make recommendations for what you should pack for a healthy and safe trip. Your prescription and over-the-counter medications, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, mosquito netting, a first aid kit, a water purification kit, anti-diarrheal medication and pain relievers will all help you to stay well during your travels.
A pre-travel health consultation with a Passport Health travel health specialist will help you make sure you’re as healthy as possible as you depart for safari, during your adventure, and upon your return home. Getting your immunizations for South Africa will help protect against infections that could cause you to fall ill during your trip or upon your return home.
Have you traveled to South Africa? Have any awesome tips? Share them with us! In the comments below, on Twitter or through Facebook.
How Do I Manage My Mission Trip?
Preparing for a mission trip can be challenging for even the most experienced traveler. From handling funds to managing traveling with a group of other ministry participants, mission travel can be fraught with hiccups that general vacations just don’t have. Learn how to mitigate these issues and prepare for a successful and healthy mission trip.
Should I Receive Any Vaccines Before My Mission Trip?
Mission trips can occur just a few hours from home or they may be a continent away. Whether you or your group members will need vaccination depends on where you will be going and what you will be doing. If you are planning a trip outside of the United States, or if you plan to participate in an activity domestically where you may be exposed to an infection, you should be vaccinated.
Often, vaccination may be as simple as a TDaP (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) booster or another routine vaccine. However, these vaccinations could make the difference between a successful trip and a miserable ride home with a potentially deadly disease.
Protection is key, making vaccination the best option when preparing for your mission trip.
Are Vaccines Worth The Cost?
Vaccination may seem like just another cost for a mission trip, possibly even one that may be seen as unnecessary given that you want to be mindful all funds are directed towards helping those in need. But, going without immunization can lead to even more serious dangers and expenses.
Recent estimates suggest a travel illness can cost more than $500 per day per illness. If two members of a mission group fell ill for two days each, that’s possible as much as $2,000! Additionally, sick trip participants are not able to minister to those in need, and it is hard to put a value on that lost time.
Immunizations are often a fraction of the cost of post-exposure health care. In many ways, vaccines are like car insurance. Although you may not get in a fender bender (or come in contact with these infections), you should still be protected.
Which Vaccines Will I Need For My Mission Trip?
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travelers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travelers’ diarrhea kit!
Every mission trip has its own unique characteristics that may require different vaccinations or medications. The following vaccines are generally recommended:
- Typhoid: A very common foodborne illness especially in the developing world. This vaccine will be recommended for most mission locations.
- Hepatitis A: Almost as common as typhoid, hepatitis A is another foodborne disease. Hepatitis A can have chronic side effects, making it a very dangerous infection.
- Hepatitis B: Transferred through blood and other bodily fluids. If your group will be engaging in any kind of medical aid, this vaccine is a must.
- Routine Vaccinations: Many routine diseases such as measles and pertussis (whooping cough) are still present in developing countries, so make sure your missionaries are protected.
- Traveler’s Diarrhea Medication: Traveler’s diarrhea is the number one ailment among travelers. The various forms of infection affect nearly half of all travelers at some point. Be prepared with a traveler’s diarrhea kit which includes DiaResQ or another type of remedy.
A few other items that may be recommended are:
- Yellow Fever: A mosquito-borne disease seen in Africa and South America, yellow fever immunization is required for entry into more than twenty countries.
- Malaria: Antimalarial medication is a must if you are headed to an area where the disease is present. There are a few different medications that can be taken,and a travel nurse can help determine which is best for you.
- Japanese Encephalitis: This mosquito-borne disease is common in eastern Asia, especially China, Japan and the Philippines. Consider this vaccine if your mission will be in these areas.
- Rabies: For some, the rabies vaccine will be a must. If you will be in a rural area or working with animals, this immunization should be on your list.
Will I Need A Visa For My Mission?
Whether or not you will need a travel visa for your mission depends on a variety of factors. These include:
- Where Am I Going?– Some countries require a visa to enter the country. In these cases there isn’t a choice; you will have to receive a visa.
- What Will I Be Doing?– Various countries have different requirements based on what you may be doing there. For example, some nations may require a visa to proselytize but not to participate in charity work. Be sure to fully research where you will be going, and contact a Visa Services group like Passport Health to learn more.
- How Long Will I Be Staying?– Length of stay is often a determining factor. Even neighboring countries like Canada and Mexico have maximum stay limits without a visa. If you are staying for more than 30 days in a region, you may need a visa. Check with the State Department or a Visa Specialist to learn more.
If your trip falls under any of these categories, contact Passport Health’s Passport and Visa Services to learn if you or your group will need a visa and how to obtain one.
Should I Go Through An Outside Service To Obtain A Mission Visa?
Choosing how to obtain visas or passports for an upcoming mission trip can be difficult. Often, submitting your own paperwork and following up with embassies and consulates directly seems like the best use of funds. But, that isn’t always the case.
Consulates are free to reject a visa application for any reason, and many require in-person delivery of documents. This means time and money spent in traveling to the nearest location in order to file paperwork and then hope everything is indeed filled out properly.
Many larger church organizations have in-house travel document teams whose sole job is to help missionaries and volunteers arrange for their travel. While this is a great resource, it may not be the position your group is in.
If you are part of a small- to mid-sized organization, Passport Health can become your one-stop-shop for passport, visa and travel health services. While these may seem like extra expenditures, it is money well spent as your missionaries will be able to arrive on time and stress-free, ready to help those in the area.
What Are My Best Options For Handling Mission Funds?
Handling mission funds isn’t an easy task. Often, this money has been set aside by church goers with the hope of it going to help those most in need. Because of that, it can be hard to choose to spend these funds on what some may see as secondary services. But, consider the following:
- Illness is the number one cause of emergency travel evacuation across the globe. Travel immunizations and medications will help ensure a mission trip is successful.
- Without proper documentation, it is impossible to enter some countries, including many of those most in need of aid. Having to re-file paperwork can be a serious additional cost, while having incorrect documents can end a mission before it starts. Make sure all participants have everything they need.
- Passport Health makes points one and two much easier. Whether your group has decided to band together and receive travel documents and immunizations at one time or do so separately, we are prepared to help make your mission as successful as possible.
To start your pre-travel preparations contact your local Passport Health by calling or booking online today. Group discounts are available. If you are traveling with a large group, please contact Passport Health’s account team at 1-888-986-8868. If you need passports or visas for members of your group, or are unsure whether you will need them, contact our Passport and Visa Services department today at 1-844-366-8472.
To learn more about mission and volunteer travel, see our Mission, Volunteer and Adoption page.
Do you have any tips for individuals traveling on mission trips? Let us know in the comments, on Facebook or via Twitter.
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 164
- 165
- 166
- 167
- 168
- …
- 208
- Next Page »
