Journal of travel medicine
-
Hepatitis A (hepA) vaccination is highly immunogenic in healthy individuals, however there is uncertainty about the immunogenicity in immunocompromised populations (ICPs). ⋯ HepA vaccination is highly immunogenic in virologically suppressed PLWH and patients on immunosuppressive monotherapy, with SCRs after the complete hepA vaccination schedule similar to controls and adequate booster responses in case of waning immunity. However, patients using immunosuppressive combination therapy as well as all ICPs who did not receive the complete hepA vaccination schedule, are at risk of non-response to vaccination and post-vaccination antibody measurements are recommended.
-
Pilgrimages and travel to religious Mass Gatherings (MGs) are part of all major religions. This narrative review aims to describe some characteristics, including health risks, of the more well known and frequently undertaken ones. ⋯ Communicable and NCD differ among the different religious MGs. Gaps exists in the surveillance, reporting, and data accessibility of health risks associated with religious MGs. A need exists for the uniform implementation of a system of real-time monitoring of diseases and morbidity patterns, utilising standardised modern information-sharing platforms. The health needs of pilgrims can then be prioritised by developing specific and appropriate guidelines.