“See the world. It’s more fantastic than any dream.”
-Ray Bradbury
These daring words by the American author Ray Bradbury create a sense of wonderment that fills us with curiosity about what’s to be seen in this world. For many, traveling the world provides precious memories and experiences to hold onto for the rest of their lives.
While exploring our beautiful planet is a joyous experience, international travel carries risks. Visiting different countries puts you at a higher risk of developing diseases that aren’t present in the U.S., making pre-travel vaccines an important consideration.
Keep reading to learn more about getting vaccines before you travel, including why they’re important, which ones are common and where you can get them.
The Importance of Travel Vaccines
Your health is our top priority — that’s why we encourage you and your family to get vaccinated before traveling. But you may be wondering why it’s so important. The main reason is for your overall health and safety. Other factors that make travel vaccines important include:
- Compromised immune systems: People with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to disease, especially if their bodies have never encountered it.
- Health insurance coverages: Depending on where you travel, certain countries may not take your health insurance. So, if you get sick, that means more out-of-pocket expenses.
- Delayed or canceled plans: If you get sick in another country, you may need to recover before you can return home.
- Lack of effective health care: Unfortunately, many countries today don’t have adequate health care services. So, if you get sick while abroad, you may not have access to proper medical care.
- Lack of immunity: In some parts of the world, you may be exposed to diseases you have no immunity to, which makes you more vulnerable.
To be better prepared, research common diseases where you plan to travel. Talk to your doctor about your travel plans and follow their vaccine recommendations.
Keeping Your Little Ones Safe
If you plan to travel with children, it’s important to consider that routine childhood vaccines are meant to help your little one avoid serious or life-threatening illnesses and grow strong. Deciding to travel with your children means you may have to alter the timing of their routine vaccines to account for any necessary travel vaccines. However, doing this should be discussed with your child’s pediatrician.
Your child’s age when traveling is also a factor since certain travel immunizations include age-specific risks and age-dependent ability to effectively develop an immune response. It’s important that you talk with your child’s pediatrician before traveling to come up with a vaccine plan to ensure full protection.
Common Travel Vaccines for Adults and Children
Preventive health care is your and your family's best chance at staying safe while traveling abroad. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it’s recommended that children receive the following vaccines before traveling to certain areas:
- Cholera
- Dengue
- Japanese encephalitis
- Pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP and PEP)
- Rabies
- Typhoid
- Yellow fever
The CDC recommends that adults receive the following vaccines before traveling to certain areas:
- Cholera
- Hepatitis A and B
- Japanese encephalitis
- Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
- Meningococcal
- Pneumococcal
- Polio
- Shingles
- Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap)
- Typhoid
- Yellow fever
According to the CDC, you should get the appropriate vaccinations at least one month before you travel. If you have any questions regarding these vaccines for yourself or your child, contact your primary care provider.
Where to Start When Considering Travel Vaccines
We know it can feel overwhelming to figure out which vaccines you and your family need before traveling and where to look for this information. A great place to start is your primary care provider. Schedule an appointment to discuss your travel plans and a good course of action regarding vaccinations. Your doctor can also pull your records to see if you’re current with routine vaccines. They can typically administer the necessary vaccines, so you won’t have to travel far for the protection you deserve.
Another great resource for you is the CDC website. You can look up your destination on their traveler’s health site to see what vaccines are recommended and what precautions to take.
Travel clinics are also a great resource for you and your family. These facilities offer all the information you need on what vaccines to get based on your destination, and they can administer the shots there, too.
Travel With Confidence
At AdventHealth, we seek to care for the whole you — body, mind and spirit. We encourage your traveling aspirations and promise to be your dedicated health partner committed to your health and well-being.
If you don’t have a primary care provider, visit us here to learn more and request an appointment to receive the whole-person care you deserve. Your health is our top priority.
