Travel today has extended way beyond North America and Europe, thus promoting serious health risks, especially where sanitation and medical conditions are poor. Many diseases such as tetanus, diphtheria, polio, typhoid, hepatitis, yellow fever, malaria and travelers’ diarrhea can cause serious health risks for the unprotected traveler. Most immunizations or health precautions are not required for entry to foreign countries, but they provide valuable protection for people who wish to travel in good health.

• Use common sense. Traveling to tropical climates may be a big adjustment to both body and mind. It’s tempting to trust in luck alone, but you will enjoy your trip more if you take the proper precautions to stay healthy.
• Determine your risks. Every traveler is unique. Your risk of exposure to disease and developing an illness is determined by several factors. Discuss these items with the doctor:
  • Your current health
  • Length of time before departure
  • Geographical destination
  • Itinerary
  • Purpose of travel
  • Length of stay
  • Type of accommodations
  • Food and water sources
• Ask about immunization. Our full service travel clinic can give you advice for the appropriate immunizations to maximize your health protection. Your childhood immunizations should be up to date and you may need other immunizations. Some immunization schedules may take up to eight weeks, so it is important to make your appointment as soon as you start planning your trip. Even if you have had immunizations in the past ensure that your routine immunizations are up to date.

For an additional reference please look at the Center for Disease Controls website at www.cdc.gov/travel or you can purchase Health Information for International Travel from the US Government Printing Office (202) 512-1800.