Vaccinations
 

We are leaving in two week to Turks. The CDC website says travelers should get the Typhoid shot as well as Hep A. I have three kids going and was going to get them the shots later today. My mom called from the travel clinic at the hospital in town and they said we "shouldn't" need it as long as we watch what we eat. I DO NOT want to get sick with these things. Advice? Anyone else get vaccinated to go?

I have never had a shot before going ( for over 10 years now)
and have never heard of anyone doing so for that matter.

The CDC website tends to be over cautious on these matters. Vaccinations are not necessary when travelling to the T&C's (or most Caribbean Islands for that matter).

Plus the Hep A vaccine is given in two doses six months apart so your trip in two weeks doesn't give you the time even if you want the shots.

I wouldn't even worry about watching what you eat. Almost every thing is imported from the states. Our "city" water supply is from a desal plant--so never heard of anyone catching typhoid here.

I would definitely keep my vaccinations up to date but would not go out of my way to have them for some islands in the Caribbean, unless specifically required for entry purposes. I think it's a fallacy to be complacent about not catching certain diseases. The Caribbean is in the tropics or subtropics after all and imported foodstuffs are not immune from poor local hygiene practices (general statement, not directed at T&C).

If your kids' pediatrician follows the recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, they will have already been vaccinated against Hepatitis A (Assuming they're over 12 months old).

I worked as a nurse in a pediatric clinic that did travel medicine for years. My thoughts are that everyone should be vaccinated against Hepatitis A, whether they travel or not.

There have been outbreaks in the US. When my kids were younger, there was an outbreak in the local schools. Turned out to be contaminated strawberries.

If your kids haven't been vaccinated, and you get them vaccinated today, they'll have fairly decent protection in two weeks time. They'll still need to get the second immunization six months from now to achieve long term protection.

Hepatitis A is easily spread. No matter how good your own personal hygiene may be, you're only as safe as the hygiene practices of those preparing and serving your food.

Thank you!!!