For the past fifty years, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has published its annual Yellow Book. The book contains vital health information for international travel and provides expert guidance on how to remain healthy and safe while traveling abroad. It enjoys a reputation as a trusted resource for both doctors and the public. Here are five important features of the newly-released 2024 Yellow Book:
1. Infectious Diseases: The book’s coverage in this area is divided into four parts: Bacterial, viral (including COVID-19), parasitic, and fungal. It also includes vaccine tables, dosing schedules and links to CDC websites for more information. Using this section will enable Dr. Weisz to advise you about what vaccines to receive depending on your travel destination. Doing so will protect you against vaccine-preventable infections while on the road.
2. Yellow Fever and Malaria: The online version of the Yellow Book provides doctors with the ability to quickly access this often-used section that provides malaria and yellow fever prevention recommendations and country-specific entry requirements for international travelers. It also contains maps of several regions showing where traveler protection measures are recommended.
3. Medical Tourism: A growing number of people are turning to international travel for the purpose of receiving medical care. Data regarding this globalization of healthcare in the Yellow Book includes the risks and potential complications associated with receiving medical care in a foreign country. If you are considering doing this, be sure to discuss it beforehand with Dr. Weisz who will be able to advise you about the safest way for you to receive medical care and undergo surgical procedures outside the United States.
4. Animals and Animal Products: Do you travel with a service animal or an emotional support pet? If so, you should first investigate the rules governing such travel by checking the CDC’s Yellow Book. Any animal that leaves the United States must meet all entry requirements to reenter this country, even if the animal previously lived in the United States. Additionally, CDC has restrictions for animals and animal products that could pose a public health threat.
5. Substance Use: If you are among the 40 million plus Americans who suffer from a substance use disorder, you need to be aware of the policies and risks associated with substance use in other countries. The Yellow Book provides key information about the legalities of cannabis use and alcohol consumption in every country. It also carries helpful information about how to adapt substance usage in different climates, elevations and time zones.
You may access the new 2024 CDC Yellow Book by going to this website:
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/yellowbook-home
A printed copy may be purchased here: