I am traveling to Egypt from the US in late December and was wondering if there are any vaccinations I am required to get before traveling.

not required, but here are the recommendations:

http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationEgypt.aspx

I'm leaving this Friday and I got Hep A, Tentus and a polio booster. I also got pills to prevent typhoid. I opted out of Hep B because I don't plan to exchange blood or bodily fluids with any locals. ;-)

An important note about the typhoid pills--make sure to refrigerate them!! When my doctor gave me those pills, she did not tell me to put them in the fridge, but to start taking them in 3 weeks before the trip. The pills were packaged up and I did not open the package, I just put them into a drawer until 3 weeks before my travel date.

When I went to get my typhoid pills, I opened the package for the first time and saw that they must be refrigerated. I was so upset, thinking I had paid $75 for nothing. I called the phamaceutical company, Berna Products to ask if they were spoiled. Berna Products said not to take them, but they very graciously offered to replace them for free.

As mentioned, none are required, but if you travel anywhere, even in the States, you should be current on inoculations.

P_M got those that all adults should be current with. They'll serve you well the minute you walk out your front door.

Of course, it's best to discuss with your doctor. Our doctor(s) both suggested we visit the local Health Department and list the countries you intend to travel to. They gave us a detailed sheet on each country, showing the recommendations. Thailand, Egypt and India were among where we'll travel. We are probably over cautious but didn't want to take any chances.

We received immunizations for Hep A & B - tetnas, typhoid, polio. We got tablets for malaria. We could have taken the tablets for typhoid but while the syringe was being loaded, it was nicer doing them all at once. Also, we need booster for Hep A & B. Our doctor could not provide this service as inexpensively as our local Board of Health. Got our flu shots too....$10 !!!! we are not quite 65 yet so we looked for the least expensive way to go. So good to know The Board of Health is there when we venture to Africa and other far off places in the near future.

We personally know others that just wing it and hope they stay well.

Good luck; hope this info is helpful.

Happy Trails!

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Katherine- What state do you live in? I am amazed tha you got all those shots for $10. Our doctor does not give HEP A/B nor any other shots for travel - she suggested we go to a travel clinic and I know those are so expensive.
Thanks,
Rosemary from NJ

I live in TX and our county health department told me the polio shots are not given to adults, only children. I made it clear that I am willing to pay, but they said it didn't matter, I would have to visit a travel clinic.

Rosemary:

I attempted to respond to you via email but the email would not go through.

Sorry but I guess my fingers were not as fast as my brain.

At the Health Dept we paid about $150 total and that was for Hep A & B, Polio and it was an injection, Typhoid (injection) and DBT . The ten dollar shot was for this years flu. Good luck. Hope you are checking this again.

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We thought this was a good buy since our doctor charges almost a $100 for just the office visit.

We were given the option of typhoid in pill form but we didn't want to have to deal with pills for a week.

Rosemary - we live near Seattle. Again, I did attempt to write to your email address