Are you planning to leave the country? If so, then make sure that you are aware of the required vaccinations for travelers. There are a lot of diseases that are prominent in specific parts of the world. This is why it is important that you are up-to-date on your vaccinations. Make sure that you consult your doctors about the necessary vaccinations for your destinations. This will ensure that you have a safe and healthy trip. Whether you are traveling to a tropical region or a desert environment, it is important that you learn about the required vaccinations for travelers.
Required Vaccinations for Travelers: The Ultimate Cheat Sheet
It is recommended that you receive your required vaccinations for travelers about four to six weeks before you leave the country. In addition, you should be updated on your routine vaccinations: the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and the annual flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that there are three required vaccinations for travelers that you should receive no matter where you are traveling. These vaccinations include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and the rabies vaccine.
- Hepatitis A: Described by the World Health Organization as “one of the most frequent causes of foodborne infection,” hepatitis A is a liver disease commonly found in countries with low sanitary conditions. In particular, you are more likely to become infected with hepatitis A when traveling in rural areas. Travelers contract hepatitis A through contact with contaminated food, water, or someone who is infected by this disease.
- Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is a deadly infection that is transmitted through bodily fluids, the transfer of blood, as well as infected needles. Commonly found in countries such as Asia, Africa, and South America, hepatitis B is prominent in healthcare workers and travelers who are traveling for an extended stay.
- Rabies: A deadly disease that targets the brain, rabies is caused by coming in contact with infected animals. Travelers who are traveling outdoors and engaging in outdoor activities are at risk of contracting rabies.
Required Vaccinations for Travelers By Countries:
Italy: For those who are planning a trip to Florence, Venice, or Rome, make sure that you receive your vaccines for hepatitis A and B as well as rabies. Aside from these vaccinations, the CDC reports that there is a current measles outbreak in Italy, so make sure that you are aware of how you can protect yourself.
Tanzania: Are you looking forward to exploring East Africa by taking a vacation in Tanzania? If so, then make sure that you are updated on the required vaccinations for travelers. Those looking to visit Tanzania should receive vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, cholera, malaria, and yellow fever. Aside from this, Tanzania is currently exposed to the Zika virus. Therefore, pregnant women or those who are planning to become pregnant should not vacation in Tanzania. If you are planning to visit Tanzania, make sure that you are also aware of other diseases such as dengue.
- Typhoid: Similar to hepatitis A, typhoid fever is a disease contracted from contaminated food and water that contains the Salmonella typhi bacteria. In fact, the Mayo Clinic reports that “an estimated 26 million or more people each year” are affected by typhoid fever.
- Cholera: Cholera is a disease similar to typhoid in that it is caused by contaminated food and water that contains the cholera bacteria.
- Malaria: Malaria is a disease commonly found in the tropical regions of the world with a large population of mosquitos. Those who engage in outdoor activities where they are more likely to be exposed to mosquitoes have a higher chance of contracting malaria.
- Yellow Fever: Yellow fever is a deadly disease spread by mosquitos in tropical locations.
United Arab Emirates: If you are planning to travel to the United Arab Emirates, make sure that you have received vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and rabies. The CDC has recently diagnosed about 2,000 reports of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in the Arabian Peninsula.
- Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS): MERS is a respiratory infection caused by coming in contact with camels.
Thailand: If you want to go to Thailand, you should be vaccinated for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, cholera, Japanese Encephalitis, malaria, rabies, yellow fever, and the Zika virus.
- Japanese Encephalitis: The Japanese encephalitis virus is a common viral disease in Asia that is caused by mosquitoes infected by the flavivirus.
Indonesia: Have you always dreamed of going to Bali? To enjoy your vacation, make sure that you are vaccinated for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis, malaria, rabies, yellow fever, and the Zika virus. According to the CDC, a measles outbreak is also in effect.
