Getting protection from possible viruses and diseases is important to maintain your health and the health of others around you, and that’s what vaccines do. Globally, vaccinations help to prevent 4 million deaths from childhood illnesses annually, with an estimated 51 million deaths being prevented between 2021-2030. Immunization is an essential part of your health.
If you’re planning to take a trip out of the country, it’s especially important to get your shots. But which immunizations will you need? If you live in the Beverly Hills, California, area and you’re planning on traveling abroad, Dr. Shawn Veisieh and his dedicated staff at Shawn Veiseh, M.D. can get you the immunizations you need to stay safe.
Let’s explore the common illnesses you typically get immunized for here in America, the illnesses you may run into overseas, and when you’ll need to get immunizations for them.
Starting in your childhood, you’ve likely received immunizations for a number of illnesses. These include:
If you’re planning on traveling, it’s a good idea to make sure these vaccinations are up-to-date.
Before traveling overseas, these are some important vaccinations or preventive treatments you need, including:
If you’re going to a tropical country or region (like parts of Africa or Asia), malaria is a possible disease you’re at risk for as a result of mosquito bites. But unlike the other conditions on this list, there isn’t a vaccination available. You have to take antimalarial medication to get protection.
A condition that comes from animal bites, countries with a large population of wild dogs or other animals increase your risk, so get immunized.
You can get this illness from contaminated food or drink, so if you’re going someplace that doesn’t have access to clean water, you need a typhoid vaccine.
Another condition that comes from a mosquito bite, this one is common to Asia or the West Pacific. The vaccine will save you from a lot of misery, especially if you’re planning on being there for more than a month.
This illness is the result of an African or South American mosquito bite, and the vaccine is required by many countries before entry.
This upper respiratory pandemic illness still carries a risk of contagion and can still be fatal. Get vaccinated whether you’re traveling or not.
Wherever you’re going, you should get your shots from your health care provider at least a month before travel, as your body will need time to acclimate to the vaccine (about two weeks on average). As mentioned above, some countries require immunization, so you may need to carry proof you got your vaccines (this is especially true of COVID-19). The requirements for immunization upon return will vary from country to country, and having your vaccination info can help you avoid quarantine in many cases.
If you’re going to be seeing the sights in another country, be prepared and get your immunizations in time for your trip. When you’re ready, schedule an appointment with Dr. Veiseh and our medical team. Call our office or schedule a visit online.
