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Ask Doc Yosef: travel vacines |
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Wednesday, 16 April 2008 |
Dear Doc Yosef,
This summer, I will be traveling abroad. My adviser says I may need some shots and special medicine. How do I figure that out? Are there any helpful resources? My Mom said our doctor back home does not deal with overseas travel issues.
Thanks,
Trekking past Trivette
Dear Trekking,
Like so many other ASU students, you are taking advantage of the fantastic education that travel
provides – well done. We can advise you here in Student Health about what vaccinations, medications,
and preparations you need to take care of before you travel. Start early! That means about 6-8 weeks
BEFORE you travel.
Here are some tips:
• Be sure to check with ASU Student Health to make sure you are up-to-date with all routine
vaccinations (i.e., measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, hepatitis A and B,
meningitis, influenza, and polio). Diseases such as measles and mumps remain common in many
parts of the world, including some developed countries.
• See our lead nurse in our Travel Clinic four to six weeks before
travel to get any additional vaccinations, medications, or information
you may need to stay healthy abroad. If it is less than four weeks
before travel, you should still see a health-care provider since there
may be some vaccinations, medications, or prevention information that
could be beneficial to you.
• It is especially important that you consult a health-care provider who specializes in travel medicine
if you have a complicated travel itinerary (e.g., travel to rural areas of developing countries) or have a
current medical condition that will need to be managed while abroad. The section of the Center for
Disease Control Travelers' Health Web site titled “Travel Medicine Clinics" has information about locating a travel medicine specialist or a travel clinic
• Visit CDC's Travelers' Health Web site
to educate yourself about any disease risks and preventive measures for
the countries where you plan to study. If you are visiting a developing
country, you are at greater risk for illness or injury than those who
travel to developed countries (e.g., Canada, Australia, New Zealand,
Japan, and Western Europe), where the health risks are similar to those
found in the United States.
Have a great trip. Remember, your trip starts early as you prepare to stay healthy. Call ASU Student
Health at 262-3100 for an appointment with our Travel Clinic staff.
Trekking, send me a postcard from your favorite place you visit.
Safe journey,
Doc Yosef
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