Travel Immunizations Can Make or Break Your Trip
Getting vaccinated is probably the last thing on your mind when you’re planning to travel, but the fact is, it’s extremely important. Depending on where you’re headed, you may need certain international travel vaccinations in order to get your passport validated so you can get on your flight. Discover what you need when it comes to travel immunizations by contacting the medical professionals at Infectious Disease Physicians, P.A., a Miami-based office that offers international travel vaccinations for adults and college-aged patients.
If you plan to take a trip – whether it’s an exotic locale or not – you should talk to your doctor about travel immunizations. Not every traveler needs them, but if you’re going somewhere that’s known for unique diseases, or if you get sick easily, you’re best bet is to stay on the safe side. All the recommended vaccines for travel and travel vaccination requirements can be confusing at first, but checking the listings on the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and scheduling a consult with a travel health doctor at specialized travel vaccination clinics are good places to start.
Recommended International Travel Vaccinations
The CDC’s recommended vaccinations for travel:
- TDAP (Tetanus, Diptheria and Acellular Pertussis)
- Malaria Prophylaxis
- Hepatitis A and B
- Yellow Fever
- Typhoid Vaccine
- Routine vaccine boosters (such as Polio)
When it comes to travel vaccination requirements, it’s recommended that you get your travel immunizations four to six weeks before your trip. Most international travel vaccinations take time to become effective in your body and some must be given in a series over a period of days or sometimes weeks. If you’re leaving in less than four weeks, you should still see your doctor or one of your local travel vaccination clinics. You may still benefit from shots, medications and important information about preventing illness and injury while traveling.
If you’re still unsure about your need for international travel vaccinations, consider the following top four reasons travel immunizations are important.
Top Three Reasons to get Travel Immunizations
1. Peace of Mind
Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, it’s essential to have good health. Let’s face it, nobody wants to end up in a health emergency while traveling abroad. Head to your doctor or one of the local travel vaccination clinics before you travel to prevent an infection with the various diseases that thrive at the destination. By taking precautionary measures with international travel vaccinations beforehand, you’ll ensure an enjoyable trip.
2. Safe and Effective
Travel immunizations are among the safest medical products available and can prevent the suffering and costs associated with infectious diseases. The potential risks associated with the diseases that vaccines prevent are much greater than the potential risks from the vaccines themselves.
3. Protects People with Suppressed Immune Systems
People with immune suppression due to a medical treatment, a condition or a drug should take especially great care with their pre-travel preparation. If you have existing medical conditions, you must verify that you have enough medicine for your trip and watch out for counterfeit drugs abroad if you run out.
Are you up-to-date with your vaccinations for travel purposes? The medical professionals at Infectious Disease Physicians, P.A. offer international travel vaccinations for adults and college-aged patients. To make an appointment with our travel clinic in Miami, call (305) 595-4590.