[Management of vaccinations and prophylaxis of international travellers from community pharmacy (VINTAF study)].
OBJECTIVE
To improve and evaluate the travel advice by community pharmacists.


METHODS
Cross-sectional and prospective study.


METHODS
Community pharmacies from Asturias, Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia.


METHODS
483 travellers to high health risk countries who visit the community pharmacies and were agreed with the aims of the study.


METHODS
Community pharmacists gave information regarding immunization and prophylaxis about travel-related disease according to the destination, type and duration of travel and other features of the tourist (age, taking medicines, diseases, etc.).


METHODS
Destination, adherence to the prophylaxis and vaccinations recommended, adverse effects and diseases the tourists have in the travel and one month after they are back.


RESULTS
Only 6.3% of the travellers were effective vaccinated and took prophylaxis (all vaccines and prophylaxis according to the destination). 36.2% of the travellers experienced an illness while abroad. The commonest disease were travellers' diarrhoea (15.7%). The pharmacists were the only source of information about sunscreens, repellents, and other sanitary goods.


CONCLUSIONS
The community pharmacists can give accurate information regarding immunization and prophylaxis about international travels. It is necessary to improve the communication between family physician, the tropical travel clinic and community pharmacists in order to improving compliance. It is necessary keep the bureaucratic barriers away to get this kind of drugs. The international tourists still travel without the necessary vaccines and prophylaxis to the high health risk areas.
D000328:Adult; D003157:Community Pharmacy Services; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D038622:Internationality; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014195:Travel; D014611:Vaccination