Before planning a trip, make sure you have the essential travel vaccinations needed for your destination. Here's what you need to know to stay healthy.
Preparing for a big trip shouldn't feel like work. This is one to-do list you can get excited about. There are itineraries to plan, items to pack and travels to book. But there's one thing you must be vigilant about: getting the vaccinations you need.
Certain destinations require that you get vaccinated ahead of time, while others do not. For instance, if you’re planning to visit the local wildlife in a South African game park, you’ll need a variety of shots. Change your destination just slightly and your recommended shots could also change. There are many websites that can help you determine what vaccinations are recommended for the destination you are traveling to.Your doctor should also be able to help you determine what shots you’ll need in advance of your exciting adventure.
A travel health expert is a great resource to help you find out exactly what shots are necessary and what are simply recommended for your trip. There are several factors that play a part in determining what vaccinations you’ll require:
While you are looking at getting specific vaccinations for your travels, you will also have to ensure that your childhood vaccinations and booster shots are up to date. This is a requirement for travelling so you’ll want to check the status of your shots including:
What many people don’t realize is that vaccinations can require more than one appointment and should be thought of well in advance of your travels. Experts recommend consulting a travel medical clinic four-to-six weeks before you leave. A vaccination's protective effect can take time to develop following the shots. Some vaccinations require more than one dose, which means more than one visit for your shots.
While most routine shots are covered by your health insurance, vaccines that are recommended or required for travel are usually not covered. Factor these extra costs into your travel budget. With exams, consultations and shots, you could be looking at anywhere from $150 to $1000 for certain travel vaccinations. It’s not worth giving up your chance to see the world, but just make sure you’re prepared for the additional costs.
Once you've spent the time and money, don’t forget to take a written record of your vaccinations with you. A signed and stampedInternational Certificate of Vaccination will be required.
