Getting the travel vaccinations that you need before you leave can be stressful. Instead of experiencing excitement, you tend to worry about what vaccines to get, as well as when and where to get them. This can take away the joy of travel. Knowing more about the vaccinations to get ahead of time can help prepare you well for your coming appointments. Here is a step-by-step guide to the travel vaccinations that you must get.
This is the first thing that the traveler must do before getting travel vaccinations. The doctor will ask the individual about previous vaccines and any medical conditions. Checking the individual’s health records can help determine what vaccines the traveler must get. Scheduling the shots will be easier with the help of this healthcare provider.
Travel vaccinations will not be complete unless the individual gets an MMR vaccine. A person gets this shot during infancy. It is highly likely that the traveler has already had this vaccine. The attending doctor can check the person’s health records to be sure.
Poliovirus targets the nervous system. It can spread from one person to another with contaminated water or food. Most cases do not have symptoms. The incubation period is seven to 14 days. Its symptoms include paralysis and impaired breathing. This disease can be fatal if an individual does not have the proper protection.
Once a person gets a polio shot, the protection lasts for a lifetime. People often get this vaccine during childhood. But if the traveler does not have a complete series of polio shots yet, the individual must get a single shot at least four weeks before departure. This will give the body enough time to develop the necessary protection. Get this vaccine if the destination country is in Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, or Southeast Asia.
Tetanus bacteria produce tetanospasmin when they enter a wound. This infection causes nerve contractions that can spread from the face down to the arms and legs. This can prevent a person from breathing. One can get tetanus from contaminated animal feces and soil. This disease can be fatal if the traveler does not get the tetanus vaccine as part of the travel vaccinations.
The tetanus vaccine is often part of the tdap vaccine, which includes diphtheria and pertussis. Getting this shot is important. The protection for tetanus alone lasts for 10 years. Tdap vaccine’s protection lasts for five years. As part of travel vaccinations, one should get tdap at least four weeks before departure. It is ideal to get for any destination country.
One can get hepatitis A from contaminated food or water, as well as person-to-person contact. There are two travel vaccinations for hepatitis A, a month apart. This provides one-year protection. A booster is necessary about six to 12 months later. The additional shots will protect the traveler for another 20 years.
The individual must get the first shot six months before departure. This will give the body enough time to develop the necessary protection. If this is not possible, the traveler must get the first two travel vaccinations before departure. Getting the booster shot can happen when the traveler gets back.
Hepatitis B is a virus that targets the liver. It then spreads through sexual contact, bodily fluids, and contaminated medical equipment. The traveler must complete the three travel vaccinations for hepatitis B at least six months before departure. The protection will be for a lifetime. Most people get this vaccination during infancy. Those who did not should get it before leaving.
Yellow fever comes from a mosquito bite. It is common in South America and Africa. Some African countries will not allow travelers to enter without proof of yellow fever vaccination. There is no cure for this disease. A single shot can give the traveler lifetime protection. Having this vaccine at least 10 days before leaving is ideal.
Among other travel vaccinations, this vaccine can protect the traveler from rabid animals. It is important to get this vaccine if the destination is a third-world country. The lick or bite of an infected animal can transmit the virus. There will be three travel vaccinations against rabies.
Following a strict schedule is necessary for the shots to be effective. Day zero, day seven, and a day between day 21 and day 28 are the scheduled days. The individual must get boosters every two to three years. Getting these travel vaccinations at least four weeks before departure is necessary.
Protecting your health is necessary before, during, and even after you travel. Consulting a travel health professional months before you leave can provide you with the right level of protection. Your destination country plays a huge part in knowing what travel vaccinations you must have. Working with your doctor can help you complete your travel documents in time.
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