Traveling safely
Traveling can be stressful. Taking your PI into consideration while planning your trip is crucial to a safe, healthy, and enjoyable trip.
-
Understanding primary immunodeficiency (PI)
Understanding PI
The more you understand about primary immunodeficiency (PI), the better you can live with the disease or support others in your life with PI. Learn more about PI, including the various diagnoses and treatment options.
-
Living with PI
Living with PI
Living with primary immunodeficiency (PI) can be challenging, but you’re not alone—many people with PI lead full and active lives. With the right support and resources, you can, too.
-
Get involved
Get involved
Be a hero for those with PI. Change lives by promoting primary immunodeficiency (PI) awareness and taking action in your community through advocacy, donating, volunteering, or fundraising.
-
Advancing research and clinical care
Advancing research and clinical care
Whether you’re a clinician, researcher, or an individual with primary immunodeficiency (PI), IDF has resources to help you advance the field. Get details on surveys, grants, and clinical trials.
What to know if you or a family member are planning to travel
People with PI don’t have to stay home–it may take a bit of extra planning, but they’re able to get out and see the world, just like anyone else. Before traveling, especially if you’re going abroad, it’s a good idea to speak with your physician.
Traveling and COVID-19
Always check the status of COVID-19 in the location you plan to go. For more tips on protecting yourself from COVID-19, check out our coronavirus preparedness tips.
Flying with medical supplies and prescription medication
Pack medication and medical supplies where they're easily accessible, like in your carry-on luggage, in case you need them.
- Medically-necessary liquids or gels over three ounces are allowed through TSA checkpoints once they've been screened.
- Keep medications in their original containers and let security know you have medication or supplies that need to be screened.
- Medical equipment, like freezer packs, IV bags, pumps, and syringes, can be carried on as long as they've been inspected.
- Before traveling, review the TSA guidelines for medical supplies.
- Your healthcare provider should write a letter of necessity for all medications and medical equipment.
- The TSA has a notification card for travelers with disabilities or medical conditions. But it doesn't replace a letter of necessity, so you should travel with both.
For more information, check out the special procedures section of the TSA website.
Plan for an emergency
Always plan for an emergency, no matter how far you’re traveling.
- Carry a copy of your I Am Immunocompromised card with you, a list of all medications and their dosage, as well as any additional emergency information.
- Ask your immunologist for the name and contact information of a medical facility or immunologist in the area to which you are traveling, or use IDF's Clinician Finder.
Register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) if you are traveling internationally. The program helps connect you with the local U.S. embassy or consulate in case you experience an emergency at your destination and keeps you informed about local safety conditions.
Eating well while traveling
Be mindful of what you eat and drink to help avoid becoming ill while away from home, especially if you’re traveling abroad.
- Drink bottled or boiled water.
- Make sure meat, poultry, shellfish, and fish are thoroughly cooked.
- Wash or peel fruits and vegetables.
- Eat prepared food only if it’s purchased in a store or restaurant subject to health codes.
- Rest as much as possible when traveling.
- Ask your immunologist if there are other precautions you should take regarding food, beverages, or other issues that are important to your care while traveling.
Get the most out of your medical insurance
Depending on your destination, your insurance coverage may change, so take precautions and know your options during your travels.
- Always carry a copy of your insurance card.
- If you’re traveling out of your state or internationally, contact your insurance company regarding coverage in the area.
- Determine whether you need to purchase additional coverage.
Get immunized against potential diseases
Immunizations may be crucial to staying healthy while traveling abroad.
- The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends additional vaccinations for people visiting or traveling through certain destinations.
- Consult with your physician about additional vaccinations if you’re traveling internationally.
- Keep in mind that some vaccines are live, attenuated vaccines that might not be suitable for people with PI.
More resources to help navigate everyday life
Sign up for updates from IDF
Receive news and helpful resources to your cell phone or inbox. You can change or cancel your subscription at any time.
