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The Yellow Book - Health Information for International Travel, 2003-2004
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WHO International Health Regulations

CDC's recommendations for international travelers apply primarily to vaccinations and prophylactic measures for U.S. travelers. The purpose of the International Health Regulations adopted by WHO is to ensure maximum security against the international spread of disease, with minimum interference with world commerce. As a result of these regulations, some countries require an International Certificate of Vaccination against yellow fever as a condition for entry. Because some countries require vaccination against yellow fever only if travelers arrive from a country where the disease is present, current information must be taken into consideration in determining whether vaccinations are required. The Division of Global Migration and Quarantine publishes a biweekly “Summary of Health Information for International Travel” (the “Blue Sheet”) that lists countries where cholera and yellow fever are being reported. Official changes in the vaccines required by individual countries and reported by WHO are also reported. The Blue Sheet is available by fax by calling 1-888-CDC-FAXX (232-3299) and requesting document number 220022; it can also be accessed online at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/blusheet.htm.

The World Health Assembly amended the International Health Regulations in 1973 so that cholera vaccination is no longer required of any traveler. As a result, no country requires a certificate of cholera immunization and, indeed, cholera vaccine is no longer available in the United States.

— Rosamond Dewart, Phyllis Kozarsky


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This page last reviewed July 17, 2003

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