Vax Before Travel

→ September 23rd, 2020

Eliminating fake vaccine news with pharmacist, nurse, and physician review.

Travel Vaccine Breaking News

Fiji Carefully Reopens For Visitors

Fiji announced it has resumed offering transportation options and is carefully re-opening of borders. Travelers to Fiji must present airline check-in staff with a recent negative COVID-19 test taken not more than 72-hours prior to departure.

As of September 21, 2020, the U.S. Embassy says 'only one international flight travels to Fiji each week – an Air New Zealand round trip flight every Thursday to/from Auckland, New Zealand. Unfortunately, Fiji Airways has suspended international passenger flights through the end of September 2020.'

Prospective airline visitors sand those seeking to enter Fiji by on a yacht, sailboat, or small watercraft should contact Fiji Immigration with specific inquiries and visit the U.S. Embassy's COVID-19 page for more information on the COVID-19 pandemic in Fiji.

Saudi Arabia Allowing International Travel for Exceptional Categories

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation spokesman Mr. Ibrahim Al-Rwosa said on September 16, 2020, that in accordance with the royal approval we have started international flights for the exceptional categories published in an updated guide on its official website.

According to the regulations, non-Saudis will not be permitted to enter the airport except after submitting evidence that the traveler is free of COVID-19, based on a recent and approved certificate, as well as a 3-day home quarantine for those coming from outside the Kingdom.

These new requirements are in addition to the previous measures, including medical disclosure during the quarantine period, arriving at the airport 4 hours before the departure time for international flights, wearing cloth face masks, and keeping safe social distances while at the airport.

Dengue Infections 'May' Protect Brazilians From Coronavirus

The authors of a non-peer-reviewed study published on September 21, 2020, hypothesized that a safe and effective dengue vaccine could offer some immunity against SARS-CoV-2.

Researchers at Duke University analyzed factors contributing to the uneven spread of coronavirus cases in Brazil, and found an inverse correlation between the percentage of people with antibody levels for dengue fever and COVID-19 cases.

One dengue vaccine has been licensed, Dengvaxia (CYD-TDV), developed by Sanofi Pasteur. Approximately (5) additional dengue vaccine candidates are in clinical development, with two candidates (developed by NIH/Butantan and Takeda) now in Phase 3 clinical trials.

Where Are Face Masks Needed and Required?

We all need something to look forward to again and nothing is more exciting than planning that next winter getaway. Since most travelers are wearing a protective face mask, the Epic Pass organization, which represents about 20 ski resorts, says 'Face-masks will be required to access the mountain this ski season.'

And to fly to a US based ski resort, American Airlines is offering special air fares, which are listed on this webpage.

Cruising Makes a Case For Healthy Sailing

Royal Caribbean and Norwegian cruise lines have formed a task force with the goal of evaluating every facet of COVID-19 health safety on cruise ships, hoping to open the seas again for cruisers.

On Monday, September 21, 2020, the Healthy Sail Panel presented to the CDC a 65 page report containing over 70 recommendations to prevent COVID-19 onboard as well as how to control a single case on a ship.

"The Healthy Sail Panel's recommendations are robust and comprehensive, and they reflect the intense focus the panelists brought to their work," said Frank Del Rio, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. "We know that both authorities around the globe and consumers expect cruise lines to provide the safest, healthiest vacations we can, and this work demonstrates our commitment to doing just that."

MSC Cruises restarted operations in the Mediterranean on August 16, 2020. Following the company's comprehensive and safety protocols, they continue to expand their European cruise offerings.