Locating International Immunization Information on the Internet

International travel is becoming more popular as airlines offer incentives to passengers for travel abroad. NetDoctor offers a detailed list of vaccination recommendations, and offers insight into how far before your trip you must get them. You will also want to check with the individual embassies to find out which vaccinations are mandatory. MD Travel Health provides very up to date information about health factors and diseases on all the continents. It provides detailed information about the vaccinations, and offers tips on how to deal with any diseases you might pick up while in the country. Many of the diseases that you can catch, are treatable, but may not be diagnosed in time if you come back to an area where the doctors are unfamiliar with tropical or unusual diseases, so wisdom dictates that you get immunized.

When traveling with children, you will need to know which immunizations they can take safely, and what age is appropriate for them to be vaccinated. The best source for this would be a hospital or clinic that either specializes in international vaccinations, or has a special unit dedicated to international vaccinations. The Centers for Disease Control offer a list of private and government clinics that specialize in international vaccinations. Their site also offers information about yellow fever clinics. Babygoes2 offers information about great international destinations and has links to immunizations and information pertinent to traveling with children under 2 years old. Get health information about the region that you want to travel to ahead of time so that you are informed and can alert a doctor if you need to help them diagnose what your particular malaise could be. Get a list of hospitals in the country that you will be staying in ahead of time and find out if your insurance will cover you if you are treated out of the country. Hospital Web has a list of international hospitals. Your travel insurance will also give you a list of hospitals that are up to the international standards of care, if you request it.

Remember to use your head and be wise about your food and drink choices. Fried fish might not be a good idea because some restaurants use the same oil for weeks before they throw it out. Use your sunscreen, take your malaria tablets, drink bottled water and DON’T put your wallet in your back pocket. Act like you are in New York and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Have a safe and wonderful vacation.