Travel Vaccinations Specialist

What are the 3 types of vaccinations travelers should consider?

There are 3 types of vaccinations that travelers must know about, including routine, required, and recommended vaccinations. Routine vaccinations include tetanus and diphtheria, while required vaccinations include yellow fever and meningococcal vaccines. Recommended vaccines are those that many people are familiar with, including Hepatitis A and B, influenza, rabies, measles, and polio vaccines. Patients looking to travel outside of the United States may choose to receive a booster vaccination for shots they’ve received in the past. If it’s been over 10 years since they’ve received an initial vaccination, such as for yellow fever and tetanus, Dr. Liva may recommend a booster.

Which vaccines do travelers need for a trip?

It depends on where you plan to travel since certain vaccines are recommended for specific regions. For example, when traveling to countries in South America and Africa, Dr. Liva may recommend a vaccine for yellow fever. When traveling to the Southeast Asia region, Dr. Liva may recommend a vaccine for hepatitis A or typhoid, to avoid risks from contaminants in food and water. The vaccines you choose may also depend on the activities you have planned. For example, when planning to do outdoor activities on a trip, where you may be exposed to insects and animals, vaccines for malaria or rabies may be appropriate. While many of these health conditions no longer pose a threat in the US, they may still be a problem in other countries. Let Dr. Liva know about your upcoming travel plans, and he can help you choose the recommended vaccines.

Is it important to talk to Dr. Liva before traveling?

It’s important to discuss travel plans with a doctor prior to leaving on the trip. Certain vaccinations may be required for areas where the patient is traveling. It’s also important to receive a physical examination to ensure they’re healthy enough to travel to certain climates. Individuals who have certain types of health conditions may not be able to handle the stress of traveling long distances. Discussing travel plans with Dr. Liva helps the patient take any necessary precautions to help maintain their health while abroad. Dr. Liva also offers insight as to what potential health hazards a patient may face when they reach their destination.