It is recommended that you should see a primary care doctor at least once a year for evaluation. It would also be advisable to visit your primary care doctor before traveling for a vacation. If you plan to go for a vacation overseas, you must get immunized. Here are a few facts you need to know about travel vaccines.

1. There are Different Categories of Travel Immunizations

Routine vaccines are prompted by medical history or in situations when you are undergoing a medical procedure. The time between immunizations can range from one year to ten years, depending on the pathogen. Examples include flu (influenza), Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), and polio. You may also require a chickenpox (Varicella) vaccine from a dermatologist.

The second category is Required Vaccines, which are regulations set by the destination country and are mandatory. The most common required travel immunization is for Yellow Fever. The regulations can change within a short time, depending on the destination country.

Unlike Required Vaccines, Recommended Vaccines are not mandatory. They are suggestions from medical professionals from the CDC to protect travelers. Recommended travel vaccines may include typhoid, cholera, and malaria for some countries in Asia and Africa.

2. Vaccines Needed may Vary Based on Travel Destination

Some diseases that are unheard of in the US are quite prevalent overseas. One such disease is measles which is rare for dermatologists to diagnose in the United States. However, it is required in many destinations across the world.

3. Medical History and Preexisting Health Concerns are a Must Know

Your medical history will also be crucial for travel immunization. Your primary care doctor will determine if you need prescriptions to keep you healthy when on vacation.

4. Travelling with Family can be Different

If you are traveling with children, you may need to set some time to plan. Some diseases are prone to children, and it is critical to consult an urgent care specialist before the trip.

For example, because pets and wild animals tend to attack children, a rabies immunization is recommended for some destinations. Kids may also need a malaria vaccine if they’re traveling to a country with high incidences of the disease.

Traveling with the family can also be hectic and time-consuming to plan. That is why you must plan at least one month before the trip. Ideally, you should start visiting a medical professional for consultations a couple of months beforehand.

5. It Might be Necessary to Make an Extra Consult With a Healthcare Provider

For travel vaccines, you can consult your urgent care doctor weeks before you commence the trip. Your healthcare services professional will advise you on the required and recommended immunizations to take.

If you have a condition, you may be referred to a specialist such as a dermatologist. A specialist may determine if you will require routine immunizations for the condition during your trip.

According to the CDC, you should start planning your trip overseas four to six weeks earlier. That way, you’ll have time to consult the primary care doctor before getting immunizations. Some vaccines may require multiple visits, which may take time to complete.

During planning, put together your medical records before consulting a primary care doctor. Visiting a medical professional is important to determine if you’ll need routine vaccines in addition to the required ones. Set aside time to plan, as it is an ideal time to review your medical and immunization history.