International Travel Health Vaccinations
Yes, you may need some international travel health vaccinations. Which shots you need will depend on your destination. Travel to most big cities in developed countries probably won't require vaccinations, but in less developed counties, international travel health vaccinations are recommended and in some cases required.
The CDC and some other government sites for travelers' health do sound a little scary and confusing, so to make it easy on yourself, find a travel medicine doctor. They can give you advice on which vaccinations are required for your trip, which are recommended, and what other medications may be recommended, such as malaria pills.
Get the yellow book entitled "International Certificate of Vaccination" as approved by the World Health Organization, and follow the advice of your travel medicine doctor. Take this vaccination record with you. You probably won't be asked to show it.... we haven't in years, but it takes up practically no room, and it's part of the documentation we like to have along just in case it's ever asked for. Allow plenty of time ahead of your trip for vaccinations.... some require a series spaced days or weeks apart. Others require a few days to become effective. No vaccinations are required to return to the United States. Check with your own government health service to see what is required for you. International Travel Health Vaccinations That May Be Required
Generally about the only vaccination that may be required is Yellow Fever, and then only if you are traveling into certain countries from an area of the world that is infected with yellow fever. This vaccination actually requires an official stamp from the vaccinating center. For more information on Yellow Fever and where it may be required, again... head for the CDC site... on Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirements this time or your government health service page for travelers. To find an official vaccination center near you, check for a travel medicine doctor or the CDC page on authorized US Yellow Fever Vaccination clinics once it is updated and again becomes available. Most Other Travel Shots Are Only RecommendedMost of the other vaccinations are recommended for your health. They are not required... but you really should follow the recommendations.... Staying healthy is much more important than the quick prick of a shot.... It's much better to be safe than sick!International Travel Health Vaccinations That May Be Recommended for Your Personal Well Being Are:
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Precautionary Medications....
In Addition to International Travel Health Vaccinations
Malaria pills would probably be the most commonly prescribed of these precautionary medications. Your travel medicine doctor could also give you a prescription to help with altitude if your trip will take you to high mountains like the Himalaya or the Andes. You should have your flu shot, but it won't really protect you against things like the Bird Flu. Your travel medicine doctor might give you a prescription for an anti-viral medication if you are going into an area where Bird Flu is prevalent. Remember what we said before though... unless you are handling those birds... or snuffling bird feathers, you should be OK.
SHOTS...? International Travel Health Vaccinations?
....It's Not So Bad
Call them what you like.... it really isn't so bad. Check your vaccination record... you've probably already had many of these. Talk to your doctor and get what you need.... and as I always say, plan that trip, pack and get going! Need a little more info for your travels? Go ahead and search, but we'd love to have you back, so us... make us a favorite! Then... what could be more convenient than to search from here!
Happy travels... even if you don't travel the world... just remember that life is a journey... embrace and enjoy it! Judy and Mark
