Foreign Travel

Immunizations for Foreign Travel

When you’re about to take a trip, whether it’s a cruise to an island, a tour of an ancient country, or an exotic safari, it’s important that you spend a little time familiarizing yourself with the recommended precautions and needed immunizations before you hop on the boat or plane. At the Douglas County Health Department, you can get some sound advice on what you should do, when you should do it, and, of course, why it’s so important.

Who to Talk to When You’re About to Travel to a Foreign Destination

Contact our nursing staff at 217-253-4137 for more information on what to do before you travel.

Frequently requested immunizations when traveling abroad:

• Yellow Fever
• Rabies
• Typhoid
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
• Tetanus
• Diphtheria
• Measles
• Influenza
• Pneumococcal
• Meningococcal
• Varicella (chicken pox)

*NOTE*
These may not be the only vaccinations required, nor are all immunizations recommended for all destinations. Also, when traveling to some countries, certain medications may be advised as a precautionary measure, such as anti-malarial drugs.

Things to Consider When You Travel:

When traveling to foreign destinations, it is important to remember that many other nations do not have the same water quality standards that the United States do. As a result, it is recommended that when traveling to non-industrialized nations, that one one adheres to the following standards:

In locations that have improper or poor sanitation, one should consume only beverages that have been made with boiled water or beverages that have come canned or bottled (i.e. carbonated beverages, bottled water, wine or beer)

Food should be chosen carefully. Raw food should be avoided, as should “rare” meats. Also uncooked vegetables and fruits can have pesticides that the US deems unsafe on them and should be washed thoroughly before consuming. Milk and milk products may be unpasteurized and should be consumed with caution.

Certain fish, particularly from tropical regions may not be safe to eat. Many have toxins in their skin even after being cooked.

Check the Centers for Disease Control for more specific, regional information, along with information on traveling abroad by clicking the button below.

Travelers’ Health – CDC