Vaccines & Immunizations
In most developed countries, we give vaccines to children to help prevent what were once common and serious childhood diseases. Vaccines are developed using either dead strains of a disease, weakened strains, or strains of a different disease that can confer some immunity.
As adults we may need a booster of the vaccine we received years ago to remain immunized. Travelers may receive vaccines either as a condition of entry to a country, or on recommendation of health officials. Generally there is little or no reaction to a vaccine, but in some cases the vaccine may cause either a rare allergic reaction or a temporary, mild illness. A few vaccines are not safe for pregnant women, so be certain to let the health care provider know if you are or may be pregnant.
Recently Answered
- Q When should I schedule an appointment at a travel medicine clinic?
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Schedule a travel medicine appointment at least four weeks before overseas travel. Take itineraries, immunization records and prescription medications. Full Answer
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- Q What is the connection between vaccines and autism?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyVaccines are commonly thought to be the cause for autism. In this video, Dr. Oz asks doctors Brown and Sears if there is a connection between vaccines and autism. Full Answer
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- Q What should I discuss with my doctor before traveling overseas?
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Here are some issues you may want to discuss with a travel medicine doctor, depending on your destination: Traveler’s diarrhea Influenza Altitude sickness Infectious hepatitis A Mosquito-borne illnesses, such as malaria and yellow fever... Full Answer
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- Q How can I find a travel medicine clinic?
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To find a travel medicine clinic, go to cdc.gov. Then go to “traveler’s health” and “find a clinic” for various private and public providers. Full Answer
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- Q How do vaccinations work?
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Dr. Kelly Traver, Internal MedicineA vaccination works by giving you a very small dose of a bacterium, virus, or toxin to prepare your immune system to quickly mobilize and fight in the event you are exposed to it in the future. Full Answer
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- Q What are immunizations?
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Immunizations are shots that are given to help protect you from different diseases. More specifically, immunizations expose your body to molecules that are foreign to the body in order to create an immune response so the body can quickly respond... Full Answer
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- Q At what age should my child be immunized?
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Young children need a healthy start, and physical health is a key factor in young children’s proper growth and readiness for school. Immunization is key in this process. Therefore, by the age of two, all children should receive their immunizations.... Full Answer
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- Q How effective are vaccines?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologySupporters of vaccination believe it is effective. Vaccines prevent 20,500 infant deaths a year in the United States (compared to the prevaccine era) and innumerable other disorders such as brain dysfunction, paralysis, and even cancer in... Full Answer
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- Q How early should I get vaccinated if I'm planning international travel?
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According to Zachary Rubin, MD, director of the Santa Monica-UCLA Center for Travel and Tropical Medicine, "People booking a journey to a developing or otherwise exotic locale should plan ahead to make sure they don’t put themselves at risk for... Full Answer
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- Q What vaccinations do I need to have before traveling abroad?
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Before you go abroad, find out about vaccines and any health concerns at your destination. Check with the local health department or a travel medicine specialist 6 to 8 weeks before you leave the United States. If it's still flu season, talk with... Full Answer
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