A face to face consultation with a physician knowledgeable in travel medicine is the best way to determine which immunizations you will need. For most vaccines it is optimal to be immunized two to six weeks before you travel; however, we can schedule same day or next day appointments to accommodate last minute travel plans.

The need for immunizations depends on multiple factors:

• The current status of your immunity.
• The areas you will be visiting.
• Entrance requirements of individual countries.
• What you will be doing on your trip.
• The length of your stay.

A certificate for international travel as approved by the World Health Organization will be issued to all vaccine recipients. The following vaccines are kept in stock:

• Hepatitis A
  Indicated for those going to underdeveloped countries. The first immunization will offer protection for at least one year. A booster dose given 6-12 months later will give protection for about 20 years.
• Hepatitis B vaccine
  Indicated for persons living more than 6 months in high risk areas or travelers who might have sexual encounters or contact with blood, body fluids or contaminated instruments (tattoos, dental work, etc.) A series of three immunizations normally is given over 4-6 months. An accelerated schedule can be done one month before departure. The series provides lifelong immunity.
• Influenza
  Recommended each year for:
  • Adults age 50 and above and children under age eighteen especially those under age five.
  • Adults and children who have chronic diseases, particularly those of the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems, women who will be in their second or third trimester of pregnancy during the influenza season; health care workers, those in close contact with high risk groups and anyone who wishes to reduce their risk of becoming infected with influenza.
  • Flu shots are usually given from September through December.
• Japanese Encephalitis
  Suggested for prolonged exposure in rural, particularly farming, areas of Asia. Series of two injections, one month apart.
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
  Vaccination recommended for travel to developing countries for those not previously vaccinated (2 doses) or otherwise immune.
• Meningococcal Meningitis
  Advised for some trips to Central Africa and required by Saudi Arabia for the Hadj. Recommended or required by most colleges for students living in dorms. 2 choices of this vaccine are available.
• Polio Vaccine
  Completed primary series and one booster for adults is advised for travel to developing countries where polio is still endemic or on the CDC's recommended list.
• Rabies Vaccine
  Suggested for those travelers at increased risk of rabies exposure. Given as a series of three injections. Day 1, Day 7, and Day 21 or 28.
• Shingles
  This vaccine reduces the chance of getting shingles by about 50% and further reduces the chance of post herpetic neuralgia. A single dose is advised for adults 60 and up.
• TDaP (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis Vaccine)
  The current recommendation for "Tetanus" is a booster every ten years. TDaP is advised for ages 11 to 64.
• Tetanus-Diphtheria
  For 10 year "Tetanus" boosters. For those over 64 years of age or for younger people not wanting a TDaP.
• Twinrix (Hepatitis A & B Combined)
  Combination immunization for Hepatitis A & B. A series of three immunizations is given over 6 months. Protection is similar to Hepatitis A & B vaccines given separately.
• Typhoid
  Advised for travelers to developing countries who go to areas off the usual tourist routes or for those who eat "adventurously". Injectable typhoid vaccine provides two years of protection. Oral vaccine provides 5 years of protection.
• Varicella (Chickenpox)
  Recommended for those persons not immune by virtue of previous infection or immunization (2 doses 4-8 weeks apart).
• Yellow Fever
  We are an official yellow fever vaccination center. Immunization is advised for travel to infected areas of Africa and South America. May be required for entrance to several countries. Protection lasts for ten years.

For detailed information on each vaccine in English and various foreign languages click on the following link: www.immunize.org

Prescriptions can be written during your travel consultation for malaria, traveler's diarrhea, motion sickness and altitude sickness as needed. It is important to be informed about the medications' risks and benefits, ease of use and costs in order to select the best medication for your individual needs.

Malaria

Malaria is a serious and sometimes life threatening disease caused by a parasite that invades the blood stream through a mosquito bite. It is indigenous in warmer climates throughout the Third World.
The risk for malaria is determined by the prevalence of the disease locally and the likelihood of being bitten by anopheles mosquitos which typically feed between dusk and dawn. Risk in urban areas is usually low.
Measures to minimize the chance of mosquito bites (insect repellant, appropriate clothing, screens, etc.) are important preventive measures. There are several effective prophylactic medications. Selection of the right drug is influenced by destination, cost, and side effects. Consultation with an experienced physician is advised.
It is noteworthy that prophylactic drugs, while good, are not 100% protective. A recurrent fever accompanied by chills, headache, etc., even years after travel to a malarious area, should be investigated promptly.

The Center for Disease Control maintains an excellent website with information on numerous travel health issues. Please click on the following link: www.cdc.gov/travel/. Another good source of information is maintained by the NHS of Scotland at www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk/.