ROSWELL, GA–(Marketwire – August 26, 2010) –  Economic globalization brings increased international business travel, and as a result, greater exposure to communicable illnesses.

The H1N1 pandemic that began last year in Mexico forced many companies to face this reality, and new threats are emerging continuously, with illnesses such as Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A & B, Malaria and Japanese Encephalitis confronting today’s business travelers.

The key to mitigating these threats is Passport Health (www.passporthealthusa.com), a leading provider of travel health information and immunizations for international travelers, major corporations, universities and other international organizations, and a Charter Sponsor of the recently launched PREACTION EMERGENCY RESPONSE ALLIANCE™.

The PREACTION ALLIANCE™ (www.preaction.com) is a first-of-its-type private network offering business continuity and disaster-response capabilities through a low monthly-fee, membership-based organization. By becoming a Charter Sponsor, Passport Health has provided its network of franchisees — which comprise more than 170 locations nationwide — access to a free annual membership in the PREACTION ALLIANCE. Thereafter, Member benefits can be retained for less than $1 a day.

“Passport Health is committed to the health and well-being of all employees and our Vaccine Specialists are mission-ready to respond quickly to PREACTION ALLIANCE Members’ needs, including disaster relief and emergency preparedness,” said Fran Lessans, Passport Health CEO.

“The question about pandemics is not if, but when they will happen. We just saw the impact that the H1N1 pandemic had on corporate productivity,” Lessans added. “All businesses should have a pandemic plan in place and have a plan to deliver antivirals to employees if necessary. Passport Health’s presence in the PREACTION ALLIANCE assures that vaccines are available to Members and that they can be administered in short notice.”

The PREACTION ALLIANCE was developed by Firestorm® (www.firestorm.com), a national leader in crisis management, threat assessment/risk analysis, and business continuity. Other Charter Sponsors include W.W. Grainger Inc., the leading supplier of maintenance, repair and operations products.

“The ability to travel the world is one of the great aspects of modern society. Unfortunately, introduction to unusual places, people, and cuisine is often accompanied by exposure to disease threats for which your body is ill-prepared,” said Dr. Don Donahue, Firestorm’s Director of Healthcare Response. “Overseas trips — for business or pleasure — should be preceded by a travel medicine consultation. Vaccination and prophylaxis are critical requirements in many corners of the globe.”