Travel Immunization & Medication Guidelines

Do you have the right vaccinations for your destination?

Typhoid:

There are 2 types of vaccines available:
Oral: 4 doses to be taken every other day and lasts for 5 years. Injection: Given as one shot and lasts for 2-3 years. Vaccination should be completed: 1 week prior to travel
Hepatitis A: One of the most frequent vaccine-preventable diseases for travelers going to developing countries. The first dose should be completed: at least 4 weeks prior to travel
Yellow Fever: Proof of immunization may be required for some areas of travel. The vaccination should be completed: at least 10 days before travel or within the last 10 years for validation
A booster shot is recommended every 10 years
Meningitis (Meningococcal): Cases are rare and vaccination is reserved for travelers going to the African “meningitis belt” during December to June. It is also recommended for travelers who are without spleens and college students entering high-risk areas.
The injection is given: 1-2 weeks before travel.
A booster is recommended every 3-5 years
Rabies: Recommended for travelers going to high-risk areas.
The injection is given as 3 doses on days 0, 7, 21 or 28
The vaccination must be finished 1 month before starting malaria prophylaxis. A booster is recommended every 2 years
Japanese Encephalitis:

Due to high risk of side effects, immunization is reserved for backpackers or bike riders traveling for greater than 30 days into agricultural areas of Asia. You will need to stay in the U.S. for 10 days after completion of last dose to monitor for side effects.
Routine Vaccinations: Influenza, Pneumococcal, Tetanus
Depending on the time of year, health status, and history of immunizations, vaccines such as influenza, pneumococcal, or tetanus may be appropriate before travel.

 

Travel Medicines

Anti-Malarial Prophylaxis: When traveling to an area where there is a risk of malaria, it is important to take medicine to prevent this disease. The medicine chosen depends on factors such as the area/country of travel and your current medical conditions. All medicines are started before travel and continued after return.
Traveler’s Diarrhea Prophylaxis:

When traveling to certain foreign countries, there is an increased risk of diarrhea due to poor water quality and food handling. Although, traveler’s diarrhea usually resolves on its own, antibiotics may be necessary in some situations.
Motion Sickness Prevention: Transderm-Scop®: This anti-nausea medicine comes in the form of a patch. The patch is worn behind the ear, and lasts for up to 3 days. Other motion sickness medicines, including meclizine, and alternative options such as ginger or acupressure bands can also be discussed at your appointment.
Altitude Sickness Prevention The symptoms of altitude illness are a result of ascending to high altitude more rapidly than the body can adjust to reduced atmospheric pressure, resulting in decreased oxygen delivery to the body’s cells. There is medicine that can be used to prevent altitude sickness.
Allergic Reaction Medicine An Epi-Pen® is available for those with a history of anaphylaxis, which is a severe allergic reaction marked by swelling of the throat or tongue, hives and trouble breathing