Travel Immunizations and Sneakers: Study Abroad Must-Haves

Before packing for a wild semester abroad, make sure you’re travel immunizations are covered. No travel shots may mean coming home with more than just souvenirs.

Flip-flops? Check. Sunglasses? Check. Bathing suit? Check. Hepatitis B shots? Uh…

If you’re planning to study abroad and can’t answer “check” to travel immunizations, you’re not prepared. Studying abroad can introduce you to culture, beautiful landscapes, incredible people, as well as illnesses and diseases that might be hard to shake. In fact, travel vaccinations are so important; some countries require that you show proof to even cross their borders. There’s nothing worse than having to head home because you don’t have the proper travel shots.

So, how do you prepare? First, you’ll want to know all the details about your upcoming study abroad trip. Where are you going? How long will you be there? Any stopovers? When and what season are you traveling abroad? Will you have contact with animals, water, local residents? Where will you be staying? The answers to these questions will help guide your pursuit of the right travel immunizations.

OK, so where do you get travel immunizations? Your doctor is the ideal place to start. Your primary physician will know which travel vaccinations you need based on your health history, allergies, current medication and if you’re high risk for illnesses common to where you’re going. Keep in mind that travel vaccinations aren’t available for all diseases, which means you’ll have to take preventative medications when traveling abroad.

You will also want to check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Traveler’s Help. Here you can research your specific destination for recommended travel immunizations, as well as travel vaccinations required for entry. Although it varies, you may need to show an International Health Certificate signed by your doctor’s office and/or Immunization Certification as required by certain countries. The CDC has recommendations and requirements for travel immunizations for every country in the world… follow it!

Start securing your travel immunizations 6-8 weeks before your departure date. Some travel vaccinations require several doses, which means you’ll need to be available for travel shots more than once. Some travel immunizations may be as simple as a “boost” or updated shot for childhood vaccines like Tetanus-Diphtheria, Polio or Measles. Other travel immunizations may be for serious illnesses including Meningitis, Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis and Yellow Fever. Some common travel immunizations include:

• Hepatitis A: Transmitted by person to person contact, contaminated water or ice, shellfish from contaminated waters, fruits and veggies washed in contaminated water.

• Hepatitis B: Transferred by blood, bodily fluids, sexual contact and medical treatment.

• Malaria: Transmitted by mosquito bites. You will need to take an anti-malarial drug for 6 weeks prior to traveling.

• Typhoid: Transmitted by contaminated water, food or food handled by a Typhoid infected person.

Once you get your travel shots squared away, it’s time to start gearing up for the time of your life. Traveling abroad will open you up to the beauty and diversity our grand planet has to offer. Now that your travel vaccinations are taken care of, you can enjoy worry free!