If you’re planning to travel overseas, it’s essential to protect yourself from diseases that are common in other countries. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that travelers get vaccinations before they go to protect against certain diseases.
What is the CDC?
The CDC is the national public health agency of the United States. It is an agency of the Department of Health and Human Services that is responsible for protecting the health of Americans and preventing the spread of disease. The CDC provides information and resources to help people stay healthy and prevent the spread of disease.
Why Are Vaccines Important Before Traveling?
Getting vaccinated before traveling can help protect against diseases that you might be exposed to while you’re abroad. In some countries, certain diseases are more common than others, and they can be easily spread from person to person. By getting vaccinated before your trip, you can help prevent the spread of disease and protect yourself from illness.
What Vaccines Do I Need Before Traveling?
The vaccines you need depend on where you’re traveling and what you’ll be doing while you’re there. Some common vaccines recommended by the CDC for travelers include:
Vaccine | Disease |
---|---|
Hepatitis A | Liver disease |
Hepatitis B | Liver disease |
Typhoid | Fever and gastrointestinal illness |
Yellow fever | Viral hemorrhagic fever |
Polio | Paralysis |
Measles, mumps, and rubella | Viruses that can cause serious illness |
How Do I Get Travel Vaccines?
You can get travel vaccines from your healthcare provider or from a travel health clinic. The CDC recommends that you get vaccinated at least four to six weeks before your trip so that your body has time to build immunity. Some vaccines, such as the yellow fever vaccine, require special certification, so make sure you plan ahead.
Are Travel Vaccines Safe?
Travel vaccines are generally safe, but like any vaccine, they can cause side effects. Common side effects include pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site. More serious side effects, such as allergic reactions, are rare. Talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns you have about getting vaccinated.
What Else Can I Do to Stay Healthy While Traveling?
In addition to getting vaccinated, there are other steps you can take to stay healthy while you’re traveling. These include:
- Washing your hands frequently with soap and water
- Avoiding undercooked or raw foods
- Drinking only bottled water, or water that has been boiled or treated with chlorine or iodine
- Using insect repellent to prevent insect-borne diseases like malaria and dengue fever
- Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants to prevent mosquito bites
Conclusion
Traveling can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it’s important to protect yourself from diseases that are common in other countries. Getting vaccinated before you go is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of disease and protect yourself from illness. Talk to your healthcare provider or a travel health clinic to find out what vaccines you need before your next trip.