Vaccinations Anyone??
Dec 27th, 2010, 02:53 PM
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Vaccinations Anyone??
Hi All
Can you believe it? I have been trip planning a RTW beginning the first of March. I have just now come across the realization that it might be beneficial to look into vaccinations for the trip. After doing just a little research, evidently it is "advisable" to get a shot for virtually everyting known to mankind. I dont like, but dont freak out, over needles, but good grief, how many should I get?
I need a little rational advice here. Which ones are necessary and which ones are advisable, and which ones are so rare that one can take your chances. I'm not sure I can live through all the vaccinations.
FWIW - I will be doing Tahiti, Fiji, Australia, NZ, Singapore, Hong Kong, India, Egypt, Turkey, Eastern Europe, France, Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Is there any hope I can live through this trip? Help Help!
Shrink
Can you believe it? I have been trip planning a RTW beginning the first of March. I have just now come across the realization that it might be beneficial to look into vaccinations for the trip. After doing just a little research, evidently it is "advisable" to get a shot for virtually everyting known to mankind. I dont like, but dont freak out, over needles, but good grief, how many should I get?
I need a little rational advice here. Which ones are necessary and which ones are advisable, and which ones are so rare that one can take your chances. I'm not sure I can live through all the vaccinations.
FWIW - I will be doing Tahiti, Fiji, Australia, NZ, Singapore, Hong Kong, India, Egypt, Turkey, Eastern Europe, France, Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Is there any hope I can live through this trip? Help Help!
Shrink
Dec 27th, 2010, 04:39 PM
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hi there i worked in morocco with alot of tourism ther so i may help u somehow in anything u need there .
in most destinations in Africa you have to careful about what you drink and eat in order to avoid stomach upsets. Buying food from street vendors carries some degree of risk and tap water should not be drunk but still i worked with alot of tourism in moroco that eatsfood from venders nd no problem , u just have to make sure its fully cooked . There is plenty of bottled water available throughout the country. Luckily Morocco is basically malaria-free. There are a few areas near the border with Mauritania that can harbor malaria but it's an unlikely destination even for the hardiest of travelers.
No vaccinations are required by law to enter Morocco but Typhoid and Hepatitis A are two vaccinations that are strongly recommended. It is also a good idea to be up to date with your polio and tetanus vaccines.
let me know if u need snything else , can u tell me whats ur plan in morocco and what do u want to see there ,i may be n some help , thanks
[email protected]
in most destinations in Africa you have to careful about what you drink and eat in order to avoid stomach upsets. Buying food from street vendors carries some degree of risk and tap water should not be drunk but still i worked with alot of tourism in moroco that eatsfood from venders nd no problem , u just have to make sure its fully cooked . There is plenty of bottled water available throughout the country. Luckily Morocco is basically malaria-free. There are a few areas near the border with Mauritania that can harbor malaria but it's an unlikely destination even for the hardiest of travelers.
No vaccinations are required by law to enter Morocco but Typhoid and Hepatitis A are two vaccinations that are strongly recommended. It is also a good idea to be up to date with your polio and tetanus vaccines.
let me know if u need snything else , can u tell me whats ur plan in morocco and what do u want to see there ,i may be n some help , thanks
[email protected]
Dec 27th, 2010, 06:20 PM
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Lahcen
Thanks for your comments. My plan at this point is to cross into Morocco from Gibralter, spend a couple of days in Tangier, on to Rabat for a couple of days and (if I feel like it) go on to Merracash (sp?), before returning to Casablanca for a couple of days. Not too sure what to see/do in each place, and any suggestions would be very much appreciated. Thanks.
Shrink
Thanks for your comments. My plan at this point is to cross into Morocco from Gibralter, spend a couple of days in Tangier, on to Rabat for a couple of days and (if I feel like it) go on to Merracash (sp?), before returning to Casablanca for a couple of days. Not too sure what to see/do in each place, and any suggestions would be very much appreciated. Thanks.
Shrink
Dec 28th, 2010, 02:37 AM
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www.mdtravelhealth.com
Good CDC health vaccine info for each country for you.
Yellow fever vaccine certification
is required for crossing borders where you will be.
Also for me Hepatitis A vaccine
for the #1 vacccine preventable disease.
otherwise the usual childhood vaccines/boosters
others based on risk suggested not required.
Happy Journey,
Good CDC health vaccine info for each country for you.
Yellow fever vaccine certification
is required for crossing borders where you will be.
Also for me Hepatitis A vaccine
for the #1 vacccine preventable disease.
otherwise the usual childhood vaccines/boosters
others based on risk suggested not required.
Happy Journey,
Dec 28th, 2010, 09:45 AM
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None of the countries on your list has "risk of yellow fever transmission" so you do NOT need Yellow Fever vaccine or certificate.
"Don't leave home without it" -- I'm talking about the Hepatitis A vaccine. It's 98% effective; that's hard to beat. (If you didn't have Hep B vaccine as a child, you might want to consider the Hep A/B combination.)
Given the length of your trip, either injectable or oral typhoid vaccine (only about 70% effective at best) is still better than nothing.
Tetanus/diphtheria (preferably including pertusis as well) and MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) should also be up-to-date. Maybe a polio booster for India (if you haven't had one after age 18) -- although their polio rate dropped way down this past year.
Most places you are going don't have malaria risk, but you really should talk to a travel specialist about the specific areas you'll visit in each country, as well as your risk for Dengue Fever or Japanese Encephalitis in each. Good luck on your wonderful adventure!
"Don't leave home without it" -- I'm talking about the Hepatitis A vaccine. It's 98% effective; that's hard to beat. (If you didn't have Hep B vaccine as a child, you might want to consider the Hep A/B combination.)
Given the length of your trip, either injectable or oral typhoid vaccine (only about 70% effective at best) is still better than nothing.
Tetanus/diphtheria (preferably including pertusis as well) and MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) should also be up-to-date. Maybe a polio booster for India (if you haven't had one after age 18) -- although their polio rate dropped way down this past year.
Most places you are going don't have malaria risk, but you really should talk to a travel specialist about the specific areas you'll visit in each country, as well as your risk for Dengue Fever or Japanese Encephalitis in each. Good luck on your wonderful adventure!
Dec 28th, 2010, 02:13 PM
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Absolutely check the CDC site www.cdc.gov/travel for each country being visited. I'm not a doctor, but from the list shown, India pops out as being the only country that requires more that what travelers anywhere should be current with, as: Tetanus/DPT (good for 10/yrs),
Hep-A (good for 10/years; usually 2/jabs, the 2nd anywhere from 6/mo to 1/yr after the first; 1st though will cover you for your travels),
Hep-B (usually can get combo A/B, the B recommended for anyone planning extended travel... good for at least 10/yrs),
Polio Booster (good for rest of your life),
Thyphoid (a few months or 2/years depending???)
After reviewing the CDC info, find yourself a doc that specializes in "travel" and/or "tropical diseases" and discuss in detail as it relates to your own health history. And, be prepared to pay... if these aren't covered by your health insurance, it will add up. But no need to have everything that a travel clinic advises (they're often alarmist), why you have to do your own research.
Good luck!
Hep-A (good for 10/years; usually 2/jabs, the 2nd anywhere from 6/mo to 1/yr after the first; 1st though will cover you for your travels),
Hep-B (usually can get combo A/B, the B recommended for anyone planning extended travel... good for at least 10/yrs),
Polio Booster (good for rest of your life),
Thyphoid (a few months or 2/years depending???)
After reviewing the CDC info, find yourself a doc that specializes in "travel" and/or "tropical diseases" and discuss in detail as it relates to your own health history. And, be prepared to pay... if these aren't covered by your health insurance, it will add up. But no need to have everything that a travel clinic advises (they're often alarmist), why you have to do your own research.
Good luck!
Dec 29th, 2010, 05:09 AM
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LizAbu - Who told you this? There is no "vaccination" for malaria, however there are some anti-malarial drugs that can help prevent getting it.
In general, unless you plan on going to some out of the way places in Egypt, malaria is not a problem. We only used anti-malaria meds when traveling in Kenya and Tanzania.
In general, unless you plan on going to some out of the way places in Egypt, malaria is not a problem. We only used anti-malaria meds when traveling in Kenya and Tanzania.
Dec 29th, 2010, 08:31 AM
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My SIL told me this. We are all going to Cairo this summer and she went to the local health unit travel clinic. They said we need Hep A shots, malaria medication and I'm not sure what else. Most cities have a travel clinic immunization office. They can give you the best advice. Also make sure your egular booster shot are up to date. They're only good for 10 years.
Dec 29th, 2010, 09:11 AM
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I agree with Hep A, Hep B, Typhoid, and to be sure that your Tetanus/DPT and other routine stuff is up to date.
But anti-malarial meds are certainly not needed for Cairo or any of the normal tourist spots in Egypt. The Fayoum area is the only place I can think of that could remotely be considered a risk - maybe - at certain times of year and if you are going to be camping overnight.
But anti-malarial meds are certainly not needed for Cairo or any of the normal tourist spots in Egypt. The Fayoum area is the only place I can think of that could remotely be considered a risk - maybe - at certain times of year and if you are going to be camping overnight.
Dec 29th, 2010, 11:41 AM
#11
I agree with Grcxx3: 
There is NO malaria vaccine .
Also , You really do not need anti malaria pills for Cairo.
What is SIL ?? !!
I am assuming that almost everyone that travels has had
the Hep A, Tetanus/DPT, and the usual shots and boosters you had growing up !!
Yes, Travel clinics in bigger cities will have all the information for all the places that..
Shrink is going to.
and there is Hep A and Hep B combination, it is called Twinrix ( the name comes from a combination of names for Hep A and Hep B )
Also there is a combination vaccine for Hepatitis A and Typoid.
it is called Vivaxim.
So if you do not want ( or need) the Hep B , then get Vivaxim.
One more thing !:
If any of the places you ( Shrink) are going to ,requires the Yellow Fever vaccine , then GET it !
Don`t listen to someone who might say,
My brother was there last year and they ( Customs) did not ask for his Yellow Fever documents.`
Big Mistake !!!
There is NO malaria vaccine .
Also , You really do not need anti malaria pills for Cairo.
What is SIL ?? !!
I am assuming that almost everyone that travels has had
the Hep A, Tetanus/DPT, and the usual shots and boosters you had growing up !!
Yes, Travel clinics in bigger cities will have all the information for all the places that..
Shrink is going to.
and there is Hep A and Hep B combination, it is called Twinrix ( the name comes from a combination of names for Hep A and Hep B )
Also there is a combination vaccine for Hepatitis A and Typoid.
it is called Vivaxim.
So if you do not want ( or need) the Hep B , then get Vivaxim.
One more thing !:
If any of the places you ( Shrink) are going to ,requires the Yellow Fever vaccine , then GET it !
Don`t listen to someone who might say,
My brother was there last year and they ( Customs) did not ask for his Yellow Fever documents.`
Big Mistake !!!
Dec 29th, 2010, 08:55 PM
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We always contact our hospital in advance-tell them wher we are going & they adminster vacs. For Egypt we got the flu-HIN1 and my husband had to get an adult polio. Hep A & B is a given for any travelers.Best to be safe I also always carry antiobiotics just in case-they have literly been a life saver. One time I didn't-lost 2 days of vacation in bathroom & seeing a Dr-now I won't leave home without them
Dec 30th, 2010, 01:38 AM
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Shrink says <<Guess I need a knowledgeable doctor.>>
The first time I came to Egypt in 97 my doctor, a well renowned Infectious Desease doctor in our area had me take malaria pills. The next trip I took over, he asked "Did I make you take malaria pills last time?"
I said "yes". He said, "Guess I was being paranoid".
You might want to ask them to be sure, even if you trust him a lot. It didn't hurt me to take the pills I guess, but it was needless expense and pretty useless.
The first time I came to Egypt in 97 my doctor, a well renowned Infectious Desease doctor in our area had me take malaria pills. The next trip I took over, he asked "Did I make you take malaria pills last time?"
I said "yes". He said, "Guess I was being paranoid".
You might want to ask them to be sure, even if you trust him a lot. It didn't hurt me to take the pills I guess, but it was needless expense and pretty useless.
Dec 30th, 2010, 11:01 AM
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Polio recommendations for Egypt have changed a couple of times in the past year; I'm pretty certain it is currently NOT needed. As for malaria, the only place (over past few years) in Egypt with risk was the Fayoum area...but even that now requires only insect precautions (long sleeves and repellant). BTW, our travel clinic prides itself on NOT trying to run up your bill with unnecessary vaccinations, but some advance research on your part can't hurt in any case.
Dec 31st, 2010, 12:06 PM
#18
I have to agree with skibumette.
Many travel clinics do try to "run" up the bill.
So it is good if you know a little before you even go there.
What I mean is , I do not think you should go the the Travel Clinic and say:
" I am going to Egypt, what shots do I need"!
So do a little research.
Many travel clinics do try to "run" up the bill.
So it is good if you know a little before you even go there.
What I mean is , I do not think you should go the the Travel Clinic and say:
" I am going to Egypt, what shots do I need"!
So do a little research.
Jan 1st, 2011, 02:23 PM
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Thanks a lot guys. This is the sort of info I want. I have just been referred to "passporthealthusa.com" by my doctors office. I went on line and they have an office here in town. Have any of you ever heard of them or dealt with them?
Shrink
Shrink
Jan 1st, 2011, 07:28 PM
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C_C: we're in Washington DC
Shrink: I can only comment on the Passport facility in our area. I've seen some cases where they made recommendations for shots that, technically, were not incorrect -- but they weren't really necessary, given the person's itinerary and length of trip.
I'd look at the International Society of Travel Medicine web site: put in your location and you'll get a list of members and what type of services they offer. Our clinic is listed there...as is one of the Passport providers -- it's a good starting point.
In any case, do your homework before you go to the clinic and don't hesitate to ask questions. If you don't wait until the last minute (go at least 2 wks. before departure; 4-6 weeks beforehand is even better) you can always go away and think about their recommendations if you are unsure.
Shrink: I can only comment on the Passport facility in our area. I've seen some cases where they made recommendations for shots that, technically, were not incorrect -- but they weren't really necessary, given the person's itinerary and length of trip.
I'd look at the International Society of Travel Medicine web site: put in your location and you'll get a list of members and what type of services they offer. Our clinic is listed there...as is one of the Passport providers -- it's a good starting point.
In any case, do your homework before you go to the clinic and don't hesitate to ask questions. If you don't wait until the last minute (go at least 2 wks. before departure; 4-6 weeks beforehand is even better) you can always go away and think about their recommendations if you are unsure.
