Travel Immunizations

Contact us immediately when international travel is planned to determine if there are vaccination requirements for your intended destination. It may require several months to receive the adequate number and type of vaccines, toxoids and/or prophylaxis.

International travelers may be encouraged to receive or require additional vaccines, toxoids and/or prophylaxis prior to departure from the United States. In general, to reduce the risk of infection travelers must:

1. Protect themselves from insects;
2. Ensure the quality of their food and drinking water; and
3. Be knowledgeable about potential diseases in the region to be visited (CDC).

Vaccinations against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, poliomyelitis, and Haemophilus influenzae type b meningitis and invasive disease are routinely administered in the United States, usually in childhood. Routine vaccination against hepatitis B virus infection also is now recommended for all infants beginning either at birth or at two months of age.

If persons do not have a history of adequate protection against these diseases, immunizations appropriate to their age and previous immunization status should be obtained, whether or not international travel is planned (CDC).

**Due to limited supplies, please call ahead if yellow fever or Japanese encephalitis vaccine are needed.

Appointment Information:

• Plan weeks ahead for your trip by allowing enough time for your immunization requirements
• Bring all immunization and travel records with you
• Advise the nurse of any known allergies, previous reactions, pregnancy or breast feeding status or other health conditions
• Please bring a list of mediations and OTC’s you are currently taking

Vaccinations for International Travel:

Flu – Schedule: 1 shot every year (the flu vaccines are typically available beginning in September of each year). Recommended: yes. Contraindications: allergy to eggs, previous reaction to this vaccine.

Hepatitis A - Schedule: 2 shots, the second shot is given 6 months after the first. Recommended: yes. Contraindications: Younger than 1 year old.

Hepatitis B - Schedule: 3 shots, The second shot is given 30 days after the first shot, then the third shot is given 3 to 6 months from the first shot. Recommended: yes. Contraindications: allergy to yeast, pregnancy/breastfeeding.

Japanese Encephalitis – Schedule: 2 shots, 30 days apart. Recommended: If traveling to parts of Asia and Indian subcontinent. Contraindications: allergies to protamine sulfate, pregnancy or previous reaction to the vaccine.

Meningitis – Schedule: 1 shot every 2 years if at risk. Recommended: If mixing with diverse populations or living in crowded conditions (i.e. religious pilgrimages, military institutions, living in dormitories). Contraindications: pregnancy, acute illness, sensitivity to thimerosal.

MMR (live vaccine)- Schedule: 2 shots as a youth plus 1 as an adult. Recommended: yes. Contraindications: pregnancy, acute illness.

Pneumonia – Schedule as indicated. Recommended: yes.

Polio – Schedule: 3 shots if never vaccinated with polio, second shot 1-2 month after the first, then the third shot 6-12 months after the second shot. Only 1shot for an adult booster if this vaccine was received as a child. Recommended: at risk areas. Contraindications: sensitive to neomycin or streptomycin.

Rabies - Consult nurse. Recommended: if at risk.

Twinrix - Schedule: 3 shots, second shot 30 days after the first shot, then the third shot 3 to 6 months from the first shot. Recommended: yes. Contraindications: allergy to yeast, pregnancy/breastfeeding.

Tetanus – Schedule: 1 every 10 years for adults. Recommended: yes. Contraindications: previous reactions to vaccine.

Typhoid –     Schedule: Pills (Live vaccine) 1 Capsule taken every other day for a total of 4 capsules at least 1 week before travel.  A booster is needed every 5 years if still at risk.  

Schedule: Shot (inactivated) 1 at least 2 weeks before travel and every 2 years if still at risk. Recommended: at risk areas. Contraindications: previous reactions to vaccine.

Yellow fever – Schedule: Shot (Live vaccine) 1 shot for people age 9 months or older. Recommended: at risk areas. Contraindications: allergy to eggs, chicken, gelatin, pregnancy, breast feeding, previous reaction.

Screening checklist for travel vaccine appointments:

• Please check out the CDC Travel website before your appointment to review vaccinations needed for the area intended to travel
• Please review the Seminole County Health Department travel shots webpage for important information
• Enroll with the nearest US Embassy or Consulate for safety alerts
• Please know area you are traveling to, how long you will be gone and let us know if you will be staying in any other country for more than 12 hours

Additional information can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website - What You Need to Know About Vaccinations and Travel: A Checklist