Immunisation recommended for families adopting from overseas
5 September 2003
All members of families adopting children from overseas are advised to have their routine immunisations updated and be vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, even if they are not travelling to meet the child.
US researchers made the recommendation after their review highlighted the risk of infectious diseases detected on screening after the children arrived in a new country.
Travel-related illness was also common in parents who had travelled overseas to adopt the child.
Close contacts of the adopting family were at increased risk of infectious diseases, including hepatitis A and B, tuberculosis and rubella (Annals of Internal Medicine 2003; 139: 371-78).
Travelling parents should also take food and water precautions while overseas; minimise contact with contaminated soil; and avoid animal and insect bites.
Last Reviewed: 08 September 2003
- 1. Medical Observer Weekly 5/9/03
