Going abroad? Take time for vaccinations.
By: Dr. Terry Shlimbaum
If international travel is on your itinerary, you’ll need to check in with your doctor for a vaccination update.
For safety and protection against disease, various vaccinations are required for travel. Your doctor can help with most inoculations.
International travel involves three kinds of vaccinations:
Routine vaccinations are based on your age and health; examples are tetanus, diphtheria and Hepatitis B. These need to be up to date.
Recommended vaccinations protect against illnesses that might be present in specific destinations. For example, travelers to Southeast Asia are advised to get vaccinated against typhoid, among other diseases.
Required vaccines are those dictated by international health regulations. The only required vaccination is for yellow fever when traveling to sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America.
For many destinations, malaria prevention is suggested. There are several different types of medication, which may be taken or recommended. It is helpful to be aware of these since your input is important for choosing the one, which will suit you best.
To get a head start on your travel plans:
Think ahead. Visit your physician six months before your trip. You want the vaccine to be effective when you travel, and some require more than one dose. You need full immunity.
Provide details about your destination. Explain where you are going and what you plan to do so your doctor will have the right vaccines for your appointment. Tell your doctor if you will be exposed to animals where you are traveling.
Don’t forget the kids! If you’re traveling with your children, update their immunizations, too.
Our top travel tip: Visit the CDC Web site at www.cdc.gov/travel before you visit any country outside the United States. It provides current information by specific destination.

