Ready to go out on your next vacation? Before heading out, knowing about the vaccination that keeps you safe from infection at your destination is necessary. Learn about the essential travel abroad vaccinations before you travel in this article. Talk to our specialist for infectious diseases if you have any concerns.

Travel Vaccinations information

Here are some common travel vaccines you should know about before travel, including:

1. Diphtheria:

This vaccine is used against diphtheria, which is a significant child health problem in some countries. This disease can be fatal for young children. This vaccine is given with a combination of other vaccines including tetanus and pertussis. For adults and adolescents, it is combined with tetanus in lower concentration. According to the recommendations, 3 primary vaccination doses are given followed by 3 booster doses. One dose can be given as early as 6 weeks (about 1 and a half months) of age with the next dose at 4 weeks of the gap.

2. Measles:

This is a highly contagious viral disease among young children globally which leads to serious complications like blindness, pneumonia, and encephalitis. Routine vaccination is recommended for children to lower the risk of this disease’s complications. Two doses are required for this viral infection either alone or with a combination of other diseases like mumps and rubella.

3. Polio:

Polio is the most common vaccine that every child should be given to protect his life from serious complications. This vaccine is given multiple times to keep the child safe. There are 6 different vaccines available to stop polio transmission and are necessary to take for preventing outbreaks.

4. Hepatitis B:

Several hepatitis B vaccines are available internationally that protect your body against hepatitis B. This vaccine is a comprehensive part of the prevention and control of viral hepatitis. According to WHO (World Health Organization) recommendations, all infants should receive the first dose as soon as they are born within 24 hours. The other 2 doses should also be given to complete the primary series in healthcare settings.

5. Cholera:

This is a life-threatening disease caused by bacteria called vibrio cholera which is found in drinking water or water used for cooking and growing food. It happens because stool in sewage gets into contact with the water supply. Most people don’t experience symptoms at all, some experience severe symptoms. WHO recommends you take 2 doses of this vaccine to get complete protection especially if you are traveling to Africa, Asia, the Middle East, the Americas, or the Pacific.

6. Japanese encephalitis:

This viral infection spreads from getting a bite of an infected mosquito. Most people may experience mild to no symptoms. But some people have severe diseases which can lead to coma and seizures. That’s why its vaccines are recommended as per national immunization schedules in all areas where JE is found as a public health priority.

7. Typhoid fever:

This infectious disease is caused by a bacteria called Salmonella typhi, which usually infects an individual through ingestion of contaminated food or water. It can cause many symptoms (from mild to severe) which lead to complications or even death. According to WHO recommendations, 3 typhoid vaccines are available, and one is preferable for all ages and should be taken to prevent its outbreaks and manage the disease.

8. Yellow fever:

Vaccination is the best way to prevent yellow fever, which is a serious viral infectious disease that can lead to severe symptoms or even death in some cases. Its vaccine is safe and affordable, and a single dose is enough for life-long protection against yellow fever disease. This vaccine provides immunity within one week after vaccination, without the need for a booster dose. All vaccines are provided by routine immunization services to prevent the risk of yellow fever disease.

9. Rabies:

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus if you get bitten or scratched by an animal with rabies. It can cause brain damage or even death if left untreated. Two types of vaccines are available to protect against rabies – nerve tissue and cell culture vaccines, however, WHO has recommended the replacement of nerve tissue vaccines, until a safer version is developed. Cell culture vaccines are more affordable and require fewer doses. If you’re traveling to an area where rabid animals are found, you should take the rabies vaccine which has two doses given in a 7-day gap. If you get bitten or scratched by an animal who may have rabies, then need immediate medical care and get 2 booster doses of the vaccine as well.

10. Meningococcal disease:

This disease is caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis, which spread through close contact with an infected person. A person with this condition needs immediate medical attention. The best way to prevent this disease is to take vaccines, which are safe and effective for both children and adults. These vaccines are given through routine immunization or in response to meningitis epidemics.

11. Shingles:

CDC recommends that adults above 50 years or older should get two doses of the shingles vaccine called Shingrix to prevent shingles and its complications. Adults 19 years and older who have weak immune systems also should get two doses of Shingrix because they are at a higher risk of getting shingles and related complications.

12. Pneumococcal infections:

This disease is caused by streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, which is easily preventable with vaccines. According to WHO recommendations, Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) are recommended for children to prevent this disease through childhood immunization programs worldwide.

13. Flu:

The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months and older for every season with rare exceptions. This is important for people who are at a higher risk of serious complications from influenza. It has many benefits like reducing flu illnesses, visits to doctor’s offices, and missed work and school due to flu, and fewer severe symptoms and flu-related hospitalizations and deaths.

14. Chickenpox:

The best way to protect against chickenpox is by taking the chickenpox vaccine, which also prevents all cases of severe illness. Instead of MMRV, some children may receive separate vaccines for MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and varicella (chickenpox). Even if a vaccinated person gets chickenpox, its symptoms will be mild. Vaccinated people usually experience fewer to no blisters and low or no fever, but some red spots may occur.

15. COVID-19:

COVID-19 vaccines are available for everyone and everywhere to prevent outbreaks. Major progress has been made in the COVID-19 vaccination response, especially for people who are at higher risk of disease. According to WHO recommendation, a simplified single-dose regime is the primary immunization for most people who had at least one previous infection.

Travel advice

Besides vaccination, here are some travel advice to keep yourself healthy while traveling:

• Beware of unsafe water: Unhygienic water can lead to an unpleasant vacation. So, do some research when in doubt, or stick to bottled water.
• Choose food carefully: In case you don’t know where the food is sourced from in foreign countries, then only eat at reputable hotels and restaurants rather than street vendors.
• Stay hydrated: When you’re constantly walking or going to different places on vacation, it’s easy to get dehydrated, especially in the summer. Wear proper clothes suited to the weather and drink plenty of fluids.

If you get mildly sick or have stomach issues while traveling, then you should visit a pharmacist to get over-the-counter or prescription medication to manage your symptoms.

Traveling is fun and relaxing, however, not following essential travel vaccination requirements not only increases the reason for getting infected but also the spread of the disease that may cause an outbreak. That’s why according to the destination you should choose the necessary vaccine and get all doses to ensure you get the benefit of immunization.

Need help with vaccination for travel, visit our infectious disease specialist in Brooklyn clinic to get proper information on vaccines you require for travel to the destination. Call us to book your appointment now!!!

Visit our team of Specialists for infectious diseases at Doral Health & Wellness on 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212. We also offer other services, such as vaccinations, immunizations, and blood testing. Call us on 13473845690 to get a consultation from our clinic or log on to https://doralhw.org/.