Travel With PID

1. Recommendations

1. It is suggested that people with primary immunodeficiencies who are traveling abroad write in advance to hospitals on their itinerary in order to reconfirm their treatment procedure.
2. In correspondence, the traveller should enquire about availability of immunoglobulins and costs that might be incurred.
3. It is advisable to carry a supply of immunoglobulins for administration by a doctor or for self-infusion.
4. It is important that the traveller carries documentation to show health status and the purpose of the drugs and other equipment carried.
5. This can take the form of a letter signed by a clinical immunologist (and if possible translated into the language of the countries to be visited (See Travel letter for doctors).
6. To avoid customs difficulty it is suggested that the traveller carry a letter (again, if possible, in the languages of the countries to be visited) signed by the clinical immunologist addressed to the customs officials at the Port of Entry (See letter to customs).
7. Medical and travel insurance should be checked well in advance of departure
8. Upon arrival in the country, discuss the arrangements with a clinical immunologist/ immunology nurse or the National Member Organization (NMO) in the event of an infusion being needed.
9. If possible, telephone before seeking treatment in any hospital.
10. There are IPOPI members in many countries.
11. Another source of assistance in each country may be the local blood bank or the Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service.
12. It is suggested that the traveller contact the NMO in the destination-country before traveling.

2. Proposal On "Letter To Customs Officials"

To Customs in: (Port of Entry)

Dear Sirs,

A person with primary immunodeficiency protects their health by taking regular infusions of immunoglobulin. This preparation is based on human plasma.

___________________ (patient’s name) who suffers from a primary immunodeficiency is traveling to ________________________. It would not be possible for ________________________ (patient's name) to travel without a supply of immunoglobulin. He/she carries sufficient units for maintenance therapy and additional amounts in the event of an emergency.

A customs official who inadvertently withholds the bottles of human plasma immunoglobulin may place _____________________ (patient's name) life in jeopardy. For the purposes of comparison it would be as if insulin were withheld from a diabetic.

In anticipation of your co-operation, I am

yours sincerely

_____________________________________
(Doctor's signature)

3. Proposal On Travel Letter To Doctors

To Whom It May Concern

Name of patient: _____________________________________

This patient has a primary immunodeficiency and is well know to me. In order to stay well or overcome severe infections immunoglobulins have to be infused.

______________________________________________
(Patient’s name)

Carries a supply of this medication and will know when and under what circumstances an infusion should take place.

Yours sincerely

______________________________________
(Doctor's signature)