Traveling Abroad? Stay Savvy About Travel Shots

When someone is excited about a vacation abroad, the last thing on their mind is getting travel vaccinations. But if the trip is outside of the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or Europe, it’s important to update routine vaccinations and get any additional ones required. Here is a rundown of some of the most important vaccinations needed when traveling overseas.

Top up the tetanus

This can be a lifesaver, and people need a booster if it’s been more than five years since their last tetanus shot. Most injuries overseas happen in vehicle accidents. The bacterium which causes tetanus is found in soil. On people who are not vaccinated, it can cause a deadly infection if the skin is broken.

Tap into Tdap

Tdap is a combination vaccine which protects from tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. It is a good vaccine for people who are traveling to Thailand, Indonesia, and Laos. There have been large outbreaks of diphtheria in these countries over the past few years. This vaccine lasts for ten years.

Pep up with polio

Polio is no longer a problem in America, but it does still exist in other parts of the world. Most people had a polio vaccination as a child. But adults still need a booster if they are traveling to Pakistan or Afghanistan or if they never had a shot as a child.

Yes to yellow fever

Yellow fever is transmitted through mosquito bites. The disease can be relatively mild or can be severe and cause liver and kidney failure. The yellow fever 17D vaccine is required to enter certain countries in Central and South America and Africa. The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before travel.

Trip with typhoid

Typhoid is a severe form of salmonella and is spread through contaminated water and food. There is a vaccine and an oral shot for typhoid. Travels to Africa, Asia, and South America should get this shot.

Check out cholera

Like typhoid, cholera is spread through contaminated food and water. It can cause severe diarrhea which can result in fatal dehydration. The Vacxhora vaccination protects against the disease. It is available for adults from the age of 18 to 64 years.  To find out more about which vaccinations are needed for travel to different countries, visit CDC.