In the United States, diseases, such as diphtheria and measles have been eliminated or close to elimination. Others like hepatitis A and mumps, have drastically declined. But many of these dieases are prevalent in other parts of the world.
Although there are many benefits to international travel and work, employers must recognize the risks associated with the global workforce. These risks can be significantly reduced through concentrated prevention strategies.
With the expansion of the global market, countries and individuals are closer and interact more than ever. More employees are traveling abroad for work and more U.S. companies are inviting employees in from abroad. Unfortunately, this has facilitated the international movement of vaccine preventable diseases as well.
Although diphtheria, measles, mumps and hepatitis A are present in the developed and developing world, they are preventable by vaccination. To protect employees, their families and their communities both in the U.S. and abroad, it is important to monitor and confirm that all employees who cross the borders are up to date on all recommended vaccinations. Vaccines are a cost effective way to prevent the spread of infection, lost productivity, and increased medical costs.