Measles Vaccinations.

[Odyssey]

It sounds like anybody visiting in the near future better bring their immunization records for the return trip if they don't want to get a shot at the airport.

Measles Vaccinations for Airline Passengers Departing Venezuela

A recent outbreak of measles in Caracas has led to the imposition of vaccination requirements for persons departing Venezuela. The version of the new policy published in the Official Gazette does not indicate a requirement that persons traveling to the United States be immunized. However, Venezuela’s Civil Aviation Authority (INAC) has issued a requirement mandating up-to-date immunizations for all persons traveling from Caracas to North America, Africa, Asia, and Europe.

Passengers who do not have proof of a current measles immunization will be required to receive a new dose prior to boarding their outbound flights. Kiosks manned by the Ministry of Health are now in place at Caracas Maiquetia International Airport to provide the inoculation. The vaccine provided by the Venezuelan Government has been certified by the World Health Organization (WHO). It has not been tested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The State Department’s Office of Medical Services, however, has approved its use for U.S. staff and family members if required.

American citizens are urged to remain abreast of this situation and to develop personal contingency plans as appropriate. In addition to local media, American citizens may consult the Embassy’s web page for current situational guidance. The Embassy’s web page can be found at http://venezuela.usembassy.gov. As additional information becomes available the Embassy will disseminate it via the warden registration system. American citizens traveling or residing overseas are encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the State Department’s travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov.


Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found. Information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. The U.S. Embassy in Caracas can be reached at (58) 212-975-6411.

http://venezuela.usembassy.gov/wwwh2808.html