IMPORTANT VACCINATIONS

It is important to plan ahead when getting your vaccinations because some the vaccinations require an initial shot which is then followed by a booster while some vaccinations are not to be given at the same time. This vaccinations guide will list out all the important vaccinations that you will need in your travel. Travelers are advised to seek professional advice on immunizations from certain diseases at least six weeks before traveling. It is important to note that some vaccinations should not be given during pregnancy or to people who are allergic to specific form of medication. It is important to discuss problems with your doctor. There is often a greater risk of disease with children and during pregnancy.

It would be helpful to record your vaccinations on an International Health Certificate which can be obtained from your doctor or government health department. Listed below are health tips on various types of vaccinations that are available but always discuss your requirements with your doctor.

  

VACCINATIONS:-
Diphtheria and Tetanus	These two diseases are quite common and it is recommended for all travelers. Vaccinations for these two diseases are usually combined. Boosters are necessary every ten years after an initial course of three injections which are given in childhood.
Hepatitis A	A common disease in Asia is hepatitis A, therefore it is advisable that all tourists should be protected against this disease.   Hepatitis A vaccine such as Avaxim, Havrix 1440 or VAQTA gives a long-term immunity of more than 10 years after an initial injection and a booster at six to twelve months.   Another available hepatitis A vaccine is a combined form of Twinrix with hepatitis B vaccine. Three injections over half-a-year-period are necessary with the first two providing substantial protection against hepatitis A.   Another method is an injection of gamma globulin which can provide a short-term protection against hepatitis A for about two to six months. This ready made antibody collected from blood donations is quite effective and unlike vaccine, it is protective immediately but there is doubt about its long-term safety since it is a blood product.
Hepatitis B	Another common disease in Asia is hepatitis B. Vaccination is recommended especially for long-term travelers and the process involves three injections with a booster after one year. A shorter and faster program is also available. A combined hepatitis A and B vaccine too can be found.
Japanese B Encephalitis	This mosquito borne disease is a risk for travelers to rural areas of Asia. The vaccination is recommended if you are spending a month or longer in a high-risk area, making repeated trips to a risky area or visiting during an epidemic which is usually during the rainy season. This vaccination requires three injections over thirty days.
Polio	Polio is an easily transmitted disease which is serious and prevalent in many developing countries. It is advised for all travelers to keep up to date with this vaccination. Immunity is maintained with a booster every ten years.
Rabies	Travelers have the choice of having the immunization either before they go for their trip (pre-exposure) or immediately after they are unlucky enough to get bitten (post-exposure).   Pre-exposure vaccination requires a course of three injections over a period of 21 to 28 days. If you then get bitten or scratched by a suspect animal, you will need to have two boosters to prevent rabies developing. For safety precautions, avoid contacts with animals.   Without pre-exposure vaccination, you will need the full course of rabies vaccinations which is five injections over a month as well as a immediate injection of rabies antibodies. This process may be difficult to obtained in rural areas.   It is well advised to have pre-exposure rabies vaccination if you are planning to travel to rural areas for more than three months or if your trip requires you to handle animals. Children are at a higher risk of being infected as they are more likely to be bitten or more likely of not reporting a bite. So children may need to be vaccinated even if they are going only for a short time.
Tuberculosis (TB)	The risk of Tuberculosis (TB) to travelers is usually very low. A vaccination is recommended for children either as an injection or as capsules to be taken orally.
Typhoid	Visitors to smaller cities or rural areas of Asia is at risk with this disease. The vaccine is available either as an injection or as capsules to be taken orally.

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Last updated : 25 April, 2011