Living in New York and need a vaccination? Visit a travel clinic

In the United States most schools require proof of certain immunizations before allowed enrollment. Almost all elementary schools and now many colleges require their students to get vaccinations to ensure preserve health on campus and on the playground. Because of these standards, we know that most Americans were administered vaccination shots when they were children. And these vaccinations are important for our health. Thanks to miracle-like vaccination shots that build up our immunities multiple types of bacteria and viruses that used to infect and kill millions of people worldwide no longer have much impact on developed societies. If you haven’t received vaccinations, now is the time.

The problem many of us face as we get older is trying to remember which vaccinations we’ve received and which we haven’t. All I can remember about my booster shots as a child is playing in a large boat in the waiting room, the smell of rubbing alcohol, a mean pinch on my arm or butt, and then finally walking past reception sucking on a lollipop while admiring my new colorful band aide. I have no idea what immunizations I’ve had. My mother doesn’t remember, and I’ve changed doctors so many times my current health records only go back about 7 years. So what does one do in these circumstances?

The best way to get your needed immunizations is by visiting a travel clinic, which deals with adult vaccinations routinely. This type of clinic specializes in patient health while abroad, but also provides domestically recommended shots. There are recommended doses for people who are uncertain about what shots they’ve had. These clinics are trained to access your needs and provide you with precise dosage of disease preventative medications and travel immunizations.

Don’t assume you have had all the proper vaccinations or that you were administered the right amount. Most shots are administered in three doses with years in between each. You may have missed the last one.

Many adults, for example, are inadequately vaccinated against tetanus, a disease caused by bacterium that grows in contaminated wounds. Most children in the United States have had a booster shot prior to entering school, and incidences of the disease in the United States have dropped dramatically because of it. But many older adults and immigrant persons applying for residency in the U.S. have not had this important, life-saving immunization. Adults over 65 are at particular risk of contracting the disease as the immunization can wear off.

If you are traveling and are uncertain of what vaccinations you’ve had, visiting a travel clinic is especially important. Certain countries harbor diseases easily avoidable with the right injection. If you know you’ve had a certain vaccination, you may need an update if you are traveling to areas that are high risk for certain diseases. For example, there are polio-endemic areas in the world that the Center for Disease Control recommends getting a polio vaccination prior to visiting, even if you know you had one as a child. If your last vaccine was 10 years ago or longer, you should consult with a travel doctor before taking off.

Whether you are sure or unsure of what vaccinations you need, you should visit this travel clinic in New York. You will be helped by a board certified doctor with wide-ranging experience and knowledge on every vaccination available. If you are traveling, or plan to travel in the future, their staff will tell you exactly what you need for everywhere you wish to go.

Log onto vaccinations for travel NYC or call 1-212-696-5900 to make an appointment. It’s just two blocks from the Grand Central Terminal at 42^nd street, a convenient location for in town and out of town commuters.

Immunizations are a blessing for humankind. Take advantage, protect your health.