Is It Important to Vaccinate Before Traveling Abroad?

Bags? Check. Passport? Check. Inoculations?

Are you jetting off somewhere exotic for work or pleasure? Before you embark on your trip of a lifetime, you might need to get some vaccinations. Vaccinations help to minimize the risk of getting seriously ill when traveling abroad, and additionally many countries require vaccinations before you travel.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends scheduling a visit to your doctor four to six weeks before an international trip so that you have ample time to take and complete necessary preventative measures. Some diseases that are widespread in many other countries are not prevalent in the United States. For this reason, vaccinations and boosts are necessary to help protect yourself and others from potential health hazards when you travel to these countries.

Requirements of every country are different.  Visit your local urgent care center and a provider will look at your medical history and personalize a travel recommendation based on the following:

  • Your age
  • Health condition
  • Previous vaccinations
  • Previous boosts
  • Travel destination
  • Time of year you are traveling

Malaria is widespread in many other countries. Currently, there is no vaccination against malaria, but your doctor will be able to prescribe antimalarial medication for you to take prior to your travels.

Visit Sand Canyon Urgent Care in Irvine to receive your travel vaccines before you set out on your adventures!