The Immunocompromised Traveler

Abstract Increasingly, travelers with varying levels of immunocompromise travel to regions of the world with significant risk for infection. This chapter addresses how to best advise such travelers. For some individuals, travel to destinations with yellow fever may present a significant risk. We generally avoid using live vaccines in the more significantly immunocompromised and offer inactivated vaccinations to gain the best protection possible. Individuals with immune defects due to asplenia, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), immunomodulatory agents, and bone marrow or solid organ transplantation can prepare for safe travel with vaccinations, education, and self-treatment options that prevent or avoid drug interactions. This chapter distinguishes the “must-nots” from the “musts” for safe journeys for immunocompromised hosts. Careful, compassionate discussions can help immunocompromised patients weigh their options and make informed choices on how to pursue their travel dreams.