immunizations
 

My hubby and I are going to Europe in about a month. Do we need to get any immunizations or shots before we go? <BR>Thank you!

Probably not, check out this site which also has links to the CDC site <BR> <BR>www.mdtravelhealth.com

Eastern Europe or Western Europe?? <BR>We got the normal boosters for France, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria that I would have here at home. Tetanus, hepatitis, typhoid, flu (in season). <BR>In the past of course I have had polio. <BR>And it was a little too late for measles and mumps and chicken pox!! <BR>Does your public health office sponsor a travel clinic?? There is one where I live and the various shots are relatively inexpensive and the person in charge is well up on the requirements. <BR>

Thank you very much Lori. That site was very helpful. I was happy to read that we do not need to get any shots. <BR>Thanks!

Thanks for your response too Bob. We are going to Italy and Greece. From checking the website Lori recommended it doesn't look like we need any immunizations for those countries. My husband and I are both up to date on the regular ones that are needed here (tetnus, etc.). <BR>Thanks!

i woiuld recommend getting the hepatitisA series. this infection is very common in the us and all over the world. the series of 2 shots is easy enuf to do and gives very adequate protestion to what can be a really nasty disease

The primary, preeminent reference for traveller's health is: <BR>http://www.cdc.gov/travel/ <BR> <BR>I'd certainly urge being current on at least Hepatitus-A, Hepatitus-B, and Tetanus. <BR> <BR>While in the vast majority of western Europe you are as safe as the US, my preference is to have the extra bit of safety margin since you will be so far from your normal physician, HMO, etc. <BR> <BR>Note that some vaccines (eg Hepatitus) require the first injection as much as 6 weeks in advance, to be effective. If you are travelling sooner than that, the CDC site lists some alternative treatments that can build up immunity faster. <BR> <BR>There have been some tragic instances of bacterial (not viral) meningitis in the US, with dire consequences (eg, all limbs amputated, death, etc). While rare, it is spread by close proximity to infected people, and can be airborne in spittle, etc. Many US colleges now recommend bacterial meningitis vaccines for incoming freshman, and it has been standard practice in the military for many years. The early symptoms are often mistaken for ordinary fever and headache. Something to think about.

Yellow fever immunization is mandatory in most European countries.

To j <BR> I believe yellow fever immunization is mandatory only if you have travelled recently to an area where yellow fever is a concern. <BR> My doctor happens to also have a practice in travel medicine and we were just discussing this very topic. <BR> He thinks that I travel enough to pay attention to this issue (tho mostly to Europe and in US & Caribbean) and did give me the first of the 2-part Hepatitis A (booster to follow in 6 months) and checked to make sure my tetanus is current (every 10 years). He says the Hepatitis B is really for anyone more exposed to blood and such (like healthcare workers, first aid volunteers, etc.) Of course we assume the usual childhood immunizations are in place. <BR> These immunizations are for the traveller's protection, there are NO REQUIREMENTS that we have these for entry to any European country I've ever been to. In the printed material that he gave me, it does mention the yellow fever immunization and says you will not be admitted to EU or Schengen countries without proof if you passport shows travel to an area where you might have been exposed (mostly Africa & Asia I think). Hope this helps.

My husband works for the Us gov and travels frequently. For his last trip to Paris and Rome, he was forced to have all new boosters of childhood vacs even though they were not necessary. Also, he was required to get Hep A and Hep B, as well as Typhoid and Meningitis. In addition, he had to take some pill for 3 days before he left until a week after he got back. Can't remember what it was, but it was supposed to be in case his digestive system was exposed to any bacteria it was not used too (we have bacteria in food in the US but it may be a different kind). This sounds liek a lot to me as I went to London last year and got nothing before going. However, I'll tell you from now on, I may change my ways. Its not like he was going to 3rd world areas, he stayed in the very best 5 star hotels in Paris and Rome!

the last post is a great example of government overkill. the inappropriate use of antibiotics has greatly added to the [problem of resistance. the comments of coco are right on the money. you may check cdc/gov web site for specific recommendations for any area