For people who are traveling abroad, getting the appropriate vaccinations is an important item on the pre-trip to do list. If your summer travel plans are taking you outside of the United States, make an appointment with a WWMG family medicine provider to find out what types of vaccinations you will need.
Check with your doctor or provider about specifics, but the general rule is that you will need to get the vaccines for diseases that are common to the area.
Vaccines needed for travel to Africa and the Middle East
People traveling to Nigeria or other African countries, for instance, will need to visit a doctor to get vaccines for malaria, yellow fever, polio, and hepatitis A among others, while people who go to the Middle East will need to see a doctor for typhoid and hepatitis A.
If you are not up-to-date on standard vaccines within the United States, see your family physician about those vaccines as well.
Common vaccines for international travel
The standard vaccines needed for international travel include DPT, MMR, varicella, and the flu shot. The CDC, Centers for Disease Control, has comprehensive information on what vaccines are needed and recommended for visiting any country in the world.
Additional considerations for travel vaccines
Travelers who fall into “special” categories, such as women who are pregnant, children, extended stay travelers, and the immune-compromised often need additional vaccines.
People who are traveling into relief areas after natural disasters or during famines or wars also should talk to a trusted doctor, such as the ones at Western Washington Medical Group, about additional vaccines that may be helpful.
The providers at WWMG’s family medicine clinics may be able to give you your vaccines, if they know about your travel plans in advance. Plan ahead.
While a healthcare provider may be able to give you a yellow fever vaccine, for instance, he or she will need to order the vaccine well in advance.
Contact WWMG Family Medicine to request an appointment today.