Obtaining Travel Vaccinations is an Important Step Prior to Traveling

Traveling is a great way to unwind and everybody needs a vacation every now and then. Of course, you have heard all about how important it is to plan for your holiday and it’s true that you can only enjoy a great holiday with proper planning. Most travelers will take care of the basic travel stuff like air tickets, accommodations, activities, and so on. However, it can be a big mistake if you fail to get the necessary travel vaccination before you depart for your vacation or business trip.

Travel vaccination is very important for people who are going to countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, Central America, and South America. According to the International Health Regulations, travelers are required to get yellow fever vaccination if they are going to countries in tropical South America and sub-Saharan Africa. During the Hajj, travelers to Saudi Arabia are also required to get meningococcal vaccination. Generally, travelers are advised to visit a travel clinic at least 4 to 6 weeks before the date of travel so that they can get the necessary vaccination for their trip. It should be understood that it takes some time before most vaccines are effective in the body. There are also some vaccines that have to be administered a number of times over a certain period, which can be days or weeks. The specialist at the travel clinic will provide recommendations for pregnant or breast-feeding women as well as infants and children who are traveling. Let’s take a look at the various types of travel vaccination. 
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever is one of the most deadly diseases in the world. Found in many countries in South America and Africa such as Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Venezuela, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Zambia, yellow fever can caused death, and intense suffering. The yellow fever virus is carried by infected mosquitoes and it’s transmitted to human beings through the mosquitoes’ bites. It’s estimated that half of the people who are severely affected by yellow fever will die if they are left without treatment. Each year, there are approximately 30,000 deaths out of 200,000 cases of people who contract the disease. Some of the symptoms of yellow fever are headache, nausea, backache, bleeding, fever, loss of appetite, and shivers. The best way to prevent yellow fever infection is to get yellow fever vaccination. It’s an entry requirement in some countries in Africa and South America but generally, it’s highly recommended that travelers get this yellow fever vaccination when they are going to any country in these continents. 
Routine Vaccination
Travelers are highly encouraged to get up to date with routine shots so they can get immunization against such diseases like measles, rubella, pertussis, diphtheria, mumps, tetanus, and so on. If you are behind schedule for MMR vaccine, DPT vaccine, and other routine vaccinations, you should catch up before setting off on your journey. 
Typhoid
Typhoid fever is a febrile, acute illness which can be life-threatening. In a single year, there are approximately 22 million cases of typhoid fever in the world, resulting in 200,000 deaths. Additionally, there are approximately 6 million cases of paratyphoid fever. Travelers who go to countries in Africa, Central and South America, East and Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, and especially southern Asia, are at high risk of contracting typhoid fever. The bacteria which causes typhoid fever is transmitted through the consumption of food or water which is contaminated with the urine or feces of people who are infected with the disease. Some of the symptoms of typhoid fever include a dull headache, mental confusion, enlarged liver or spleen, a dry cough, diarrhea or constipation, malaise, abdominal pain, high fever, and loss of appetite. If you are going to a country with increased risk of typhoid fever, it’s highly recommended that you get this typhoid vaccination. 
Hepatitis A
The prevalence of hepatitis A is considered high or intermediate in many countries in Africa, northern and southern Asia, Central and South America, the Middle East, and eastern and southern Europe. A person may contract hepatitis A infection via oral digestion of a substance which is contaminated with the feces of an infected person. The estimated incubation period for hepatitis A is two to six weeks. Symptoms of hepatitis A include jaundice, loss of appetite, aches, nausea, vomiting, fever, headaches, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. For people who are traveling to a country with high risk of hepatitis A, the best way to prevent this disease is to get the hepatitis vaccination.
Travel vaccination is extremely important for travelers because it gives them the peace of mind that they are protected against certain diseases. Vaccination is also recommended for hepatitis B, polio, and rabies. Generally, there are different health risks in different countries so it’s best to consult a specialist at a travel clinic for more information. 
If you live in New York City—or any of its surrounding boroughs—log onto Travel clinic manhattan. It is a certified travel vaccination clinic capable of providing you with just the right protection for your trip. Call 1-212-696-5900 to arrange a convenient appointment and to hear more information. This Travel Vaccinations in NYC is conveniently located just blocks from Grand Central Station. Keep yourself as healthy as possible while travelling overseas.