International Travelers
Foreign travel is on the rise, with more than 760 million people crossing international borders annually. Most people spend a great deal of time researching destinations, airfares and hotels but many never think of protecting themselves from the many diseases and illnesses that plague travelers every year. The experts at The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are the best source for the information we need to help protect us when traveling out of the United States. SHOTS, etc. works under the guidelines of the CDC and under the supervision of Dr. John D. Crawford, MD in providing vaccinations for travelers.
Ideally, you should consult with a health-care provider 1-2 months before your trip. All vaccines take time to become effective in your body and some vaccines must be given in a series over a period of days, weeks or even months. If it is less than 2 weeks before you travel, it is even more important that you see your doctor or vaccination provider. It might not be too late to get your travel vaccinations or anti-malarial medications and other vital information about how to protect yourself from illness and injury while traveling. Visit www.cdc.gov/travel and click on Destinations for information about specific vaccinations you will need for the destination you will be visiting. Also, be sure to carefully read the information given about food and water safety and mosquito-borne diseases (such as malaria) for the area you will be visiting. During your appointment with us, our nursing professionals at SHOTS, etc will counsel you regarding the specific vaccinations and other protective measures you will need for the destination(s) you will be visiting and the activities in which you will participate while there. In addition to the vaccines you need, we are also able to provide you with prescriptions for anti-malaria medication and Traveler's Diarrhea, if indicated.
Health risks associated with travel are greater for certain groups of travelers, including infants and children, pregnant women, the elderly, the disabled, and those who have pre-existing health problems. For all of these people, medical advice and special precautions are necessary. They should also be well informed about the medical facilities available at their destination, just in case they need help there. You can find this information regarding special needs travelers at wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/resources-for-travelers.
Persons who have chosen to make the United States their new home should be certain they are protected from the same vaccine-preventable diseases as if they were born in this country. This is especially important if they are returning to their homeland for a visit after living in the U.S. You may access the tables of vaccines recommended for all persons residing in the U.S. on our website pages listed as Adolescent Schedule and Adult Schedule. THOSE ADULTS WHO HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE FULL SCHEDULE OF VACCINES RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WHEN THEY LIVED IN ANOTHER COUNTRY SHOULD RECEIVE THE PRIMARY SERIES OF VACCINATIONS THAT ARE RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS BEFORE RECEIVING ADULT BOOSTER DOSES. Certain groups of immigrants may qualify for these vaccines at a reduced cost. Please call our office for details.
Travel Tips for Students
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/studying-abroad
Tips for Americans Residing Abroad
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/long-term-travelers-expatriots
Tips for Air Travel and Cruise Ships
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/travel-industry-information-center
Adventure Travel
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/adventure
Humanitarian Aid Workers
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/humanitarian-aid-workers
Pregnant Travelers
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/pregnant-travelers
International Adoption
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/trave/page/adopting-child-another-country
Getting Sick After Travel
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/getting-sick-after-travel
Emergency Medical Care
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/getting-health-care-abroad
The CDC updates the information on it's website on a daily basis regarding recent outbreaks and urgent information for travelers. The four levels of travel notices are: In the News, Outbreak Notice, Travel Health Precaution, & Travel Health Warning. Notices of disease activity at any of these levels are always posted on the right side of the Travelers' Health homepage and also at the top of the Regional Destination pages of the affected world regions.
Again, SHOTS, etc can provide all of the vaccines you will need to stay healthy while traveling. Once you have had the chance to browse the information on the CDC website, please call or email the professionals at SHOTS, etc. to make your appointment to receive your vaccines.
Remember, when comparing SHOTS, etc. to other providers, we only charge you for a consultation fee and published vaccine prices. If we are in-network with your insurance company, we will bill them for covered services and you will only be responisble for what is not covered by your specific policy. If you are a self-pay client, you will save hundreds of dollar$ per person with us!
Let SHOTS, etc. help you make sure that the only things you bring back from your trip are souvenirs and wonderful memories!
This information was compiled from information published by the CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO)