What is international travel?
International travel means leaving the United States and visiting other countries around the world. This includes any country, even if it’s on the same continent as the United States, such as Mexico.
International travel between different countries is for work or leisure is common for many Americans. Travel today extends beyond North America and Europe to all parts of the world, including countries that pose additional health risks to travelers.
At present, most countries don’t require visitors to have specific immunizations before they can enter the country. However, vaccinating yourself against conditions that are more widespread where you’re going provides valuable protection.
What conditions might I need protection from overseas?
There are numerous conditions that you might need protection from if you’re traveling internationally. They are usually conditions that aren’t present in the United States or are currently very rare, such as:
- Rabies
- Diphtheria
- Typhoid
- Yellow Fever
- Japanese Encephalitis
- Malaria
You should also make sure your childhood immunizations for diseases like tetanus, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B are up to date before embarking on any international travel.
How do I know what travel vaccinations I need?
The experts at Infectious Disease Associates & Travel Medicine Clinic operate a full-service travel clinic that can provide you with the advice you need. They can review your existing immunization records and provide the appropriate vaccinations to optimize your health protection overseas.
When you make your international travel arrangements, contact Infectious Disease Associates & Travel Medicine Clinic as soon as possible. Some immunization programs can take up to eight weeks to complete, so it’s important to organize your vaccinations well in advance of your departure date.
What else should I consider before traveling overseas?
Before any type of international travel, it’s important to consider two key aspects:
Your health
You should visit your primary care provider for travel advice if you have any pre-existing conditions. It might be a good idea to have a checkup before traveling to make sure you don’t have any underlying health problems like high blood pressure that might need addressing.
Your destination
The CDC and US State Department travel advisories websites have up-to-date information about health concerns and other safety issues affecting countries around the world. It’s a good idea to check for any health warnings before you travel.
Find out how to prepare for your international travel by calling Infectious Disease Associates & Travel Medicine Clinic today or book an appointment online.
