Travel Medicine

During your travel medicine consultation, your practitioner will:

1. Review your travel itinerary, including destinations, duration, and planned activities.
2. Assess your health history, including pre-existing medical conditions, allergies, and current medications.
3. Provide destination-specific health advice and recommendations.
4. Administer necessary vaccinations and prescribe preventive medications.
5. Offer guidance on health and safety precautions, such as food and water safety, insect bite prevention, and sun protection.
6. Provide resources and information on travel health insurance, medical evacuation services, and finding medical care abroad.

The following are some examples of destination-specific vaccination recommendations:

• Africa: Travelers to many African countries may need vaccinations against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, and meningococcal disease, depending on the specific country and region.
• South and Central America: Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and yellow fever vaccines may be recommended for travelers to certain countries in these regions.
• Asia: Travelers to some Asian countries may need vaccinations against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, and rabies, depending on the specific country and planned activities.
• Europe: While most European countries do not require specific vaccinations, travelers should ensure they are up-to-date on routine immunizations, such as MMR and Tdap.
• Australia and New Zealand: Travelers to these countries should be current on routine vaccinations, but no additional vaccines are typically required.

The following vaccines are often recommended or required for international travel, depending on your destination, activities, and health history:

• Hepatitis A: This vaccine protects against a viral liver infection that can be contracted through contaminated food or water.
• Hepatitis B: This vaccine is recommended for travelers who may be exposed to blood or body fluids, such as healthcare workers or those engaging in sexual activity with new partners.
• Typhoid: This vaccine protects against a bacterial infection that can cause fever, abdominal pain, and other symptoms and is typically contracted through contaminated food or water.
• Yellow Fever: Some countries in Africa and South America require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry. The vaccine protects against a viral infection transmitted by infected mosquitoes.
• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR): This vaccine is recommended for travelers born after 1957 who have not received two doses or had confirmed cases of these diseases.
• Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap): This vaccine is recommended for all travelers, especially if it has been more than ten years since their last tetanus booster.
• Influenza: The flu vaccine is recommended for all travelers, particularly during flu season or when traveling to countries where the virus circulates year-round.
• COVID-19: As the global pandemic continues, staying up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccination recommendations and requirements for your destination is essential.
• Other vaccines, such as rabies, Japanese encephalitis, or meningococcal vaccines, may be recommended based on your specific travel plans.

If you develop any illness or symptoms after returning from your trip, it is essential to seek medical attention and inform your healthcare provider about your recent travel history. Some travel-related illnesses may not present symptoms until weeks or months after exposure, so it is crucial to be vigilant about your health even after returning home.