If you’re planning to travel overseas in the next few months, you should make CDC travel vaccinations a priority. It doesn’t matter if you’re staying in a luxurious city hotel or a shared hostel room, you can be at risk for contamination.

In most cases, vaccinations are easy, nearly painless, and affordable. Plus, once you get these shots, you’re covered for a very long time–sometimes even for life!

Traveling abroad is one of the most thrilling journeys a person can have. But, don’t let your once-in-a-lifetime experience take a turn for the worst. Here is what you should know about travel immunizations.

General Information on CDC Travel Vaccinations

Keep in mind that your destination will impact the type of vaccinations you’ll need. Some countries will suggest or even require you to obtain certain immunizations before arriving. You can find this information on the CDC website.

Also, you should consider your personal health when trying to decide if you need a vaccine. Perhaps you already have a condition that makes you more susceptible to illness or injury. In those cases, you certainly want protection.

You can obtain a travel vaccination from most doctors offices. http://bethelmedcenter.com/ recommends that you get vaccinated 14-21 days prior to departure. So, plan accordingly based on how long it takes to get in to see your physician.

Common Travel Immunizations

As we mentioned, the type of vaccination you’ll need depends on where you’re visiting. However, here are some of the more common immunization shots.

TDaP

A TDaP shot protects against three potentially life-threatening diseases: Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis. Physicians can administer this vaccination through a single injection, and it’s good for 10 years.

You should obtain this vaccination before travel to all foreign countries.

Typhoid Fever

While there aren’t many cases of Typhoid Fever originating in the United States, this disease is prevalent in many other foreign countries. Symptoms are usually mild, but they can turn deadly.

If you’re traveling to Asia, South America, Central America, or Africa, you should consider this single injection.

Malaria

Fortunately, malaria is nowhere near as life-threatening as it once was. However, as there are 350-500 million cases diagnosed each year, we still need to take precaution. You’ll need enough medication to last throughout your entire trip.

Take this medication if you’re traveling to Africa, South America, or Asia.

Meningitis

The last vaccination we’ll put on your radar is one that’s easily spread. You can get Meningitis from pretty ordinary occurrences, such as coughing, so you’ll want to play it safe. We recommend this vaccination for travel to the Middle East, as well as Africa.

Auf Wiedersehen! Sayonara! Shalom! Totsiens!

Some aspects of traveling aren’t so glamorous, such as CDC travel vaccinations. But, it’s so important to get protected.

If you’re going abroad, do your research! At Lateet, we cover a variety of travel and entertainment-related topics. Check out some of our latest travel posts here! Also, don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.