Travel Safe- Get Vaccinated

If you are planning to travel outside your country it is important to get vaccinated against certain diseases which might be prevalent in other parts of the world. Some vaccines are compulsory and without proper vaccination you will not be given permission to travel to certain countries.

Travel doctors can guide you on what kind of vaccinations you require. If you are planning to visit a place where chances of malaria are likely, your doctor will give you the relevant vaccine to help prevent that.

Some countries expect you to have an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) before you enter that country.

No matter where you go, you should ensure that your vaccines are up to date. Vaccination against tetanus, measles, diphtheria should be updated every ten years.

While getting vaccinated for foreign travel, there are certain things that you should consider:

1. The country you are visiting: Vaccination is given depending on which country you are travelling to. Some diseases are common in only certain parts of the world. Travel immunization is necessary for certain diseases like hepatitis A,B,HPV and influenza. For example - if you are travelling to the Indian subcontinent you need to get vaccination against hepatitis tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis A and so on.

2. The duration of your stay: The longer you stay, the greater is the risk of being exposed to diseases.
   
3. Will you be in contact with animals: If this is the case you are at more risk of getting  diseases spread by animals such as rabies.
   
4. What will you be doing during your stay: The activities you have planned in the foreign country will determine your exposure to the elements. For example, whether you will be staying indoors or spending more time outdoors.
   
5. Your age and health: If you have some existing health condition or issues, you will have to get it checked before getting the vaccination.    
   
Explain your travel plans to your immunization doctor and they will recommend the proper vaccinations for you. If you live in a city like New York, you can easily find experienced medical professionals who provide travel immunizations in NYC.

Immunization is the best way to protect yourself from vaccine preventable diseases. Do not skip this important part of your travel planning.

Love To Travel? Remember To Pack Good Health For Your Trip

Travelling abroad can expose you to different diseases that are rare in your country. There are different travelers like senior citizens who want to see the world after retirement, pregnant women, parents traveling with children and many more. It is important for everyone to protect themselves against certain infections by getting travel immunization.

These vaccines can be taken from any health care provider and should preferably be taken 3-4 weeks before travelling because it takes time to start its effect.

Before travelling, you need to check with your doctor whether you need vaccination against certain diseases. The doctor will take into account certain factors such as:
•    your age
•    where you were born
•    your previous vaccinations
•    your health that includes any illness you have or ever had
•    your destination country and period of stay

After vaccination also immunity to a disease is not life long, so despite of past vaccination it might happen that you need the vaccination again. So you need to discuss in detail about your vaccinations with your doctor.

Based on your journey or your traveling route the doctor will recommend vaccines for you. For instance, if you are travelling to Australia you need to get a tetanus or diphtheria vaccine. If in last 10 years you have taken the vaccination against it then it is not necessary to get the vaccination again.

If you are going to certain parts of Africa or South America, you must get vaccine against yellow fever. But if you're visiting countries like Canada, Japan, New Zealand and Europe you probably won’t need any vaccines.

If you are travelling to Indonesia, recommended vaccines include hepatitis A and B, typhoid and influenza while most of Thailand entails a low risk of diseases. India on the other hand,is at a high risk and many vaccines are recommended.

There are many immunization clinics in NYC from where you can get the necessary vaccinations.
It is important for frequent travelers to ensure they are up to date with routine immunizations like tetanus, diphtheria and measles before traveling.