Infectious Diseases and Immunizations in International Adoption
Insights
International adoptees face higher infectious disease risks. Pediatricians must screen for conditions like TB, hepatitis, and HIV, and ensure all necessary vaccines are administered.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Global health
- Immigration medicine
Background:
- International adoptees have increased risks of infectious diseases due to origin country conditions and healthcare access.
- Variable vaccination status is common in international adoptees.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline recommended infectious disease screening and preventive care for international adoptees.
- To emphasize the pediatrician's role in managing health for these children.
Main Methods:
- Routine screening for gastrointestinal pathogens, tuberculosis, hepatitis, syphilis, and HIV.
- Assessment for other endemic diseases and common skin infections.
- Evaluation of immunization records and administration of catch-up vaccines.
Main Results:
- Nearly all international adoptees require catch-up vaccinations.
- Comprehensive screening identifies various infectious diseases and health needs.
- Pre-adoption medical record review and travel advice may be necessary.
Conclusions:
- Pediatricians play a crucial role in evaluating, treating, and preventing infectious diseases in international adoptees.
- Familiarity with recommended screenings ensures optimal health outcomes for adopted children.
- Ensuring up-to-date immunizations for the child and family is vital.
Abstract:
Children who are adopted internationally have an increased risk of infectious diseases due to endemic conditions and variable access to preventive health care, such as vaccines, in their country of origin. Pediatricians and other providers who care for children should be familiar with the recommended screening for newly arrived international adoptees. Testing for gastrointestinal pathogens, tuberculosis, hepatitis, syphilis, and HIV should be routinely performed. Other endemic diseases and common skin infections may need to be assessed. Evaluation of the child's immunization record is also important, as nearly all international adoptees will require catch-up vaccines. The provider may also be asked to review medical records prior to adoption, provide travel advice, and ensure that parents and other close contacts are up-to-date on immunizations prior to the arrival of the newest family member. The pediatrician serves a unique role in facilitating the evaluation, treatment, and prevention of infectious diseases in international adoptees. [Pediatr Ann. 2017;46(2):e56-e60.].
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