If you’re traveling internationally or domestically, it is important to get any necessary vaccines to keep from getting sick or experiencing some other type of infectious illnesses. Travel vaccines are the easiest way to ensure that your family is adequately protected during their trip and that everyone is healthy throughout your relaxing vacation!

What are travel vaccines? How do they protect my family members?

Travel vaccines are short-term vaccines that help travels protect themselves from infectious diseases that are not commonly found in their home country/state/town.
For example, US travelers visiting countries in Europe and Asia may need specific travel vaccines for diseases found on those continents and countries; a prime example being the yellow fever vaccine. Since yellow fever is not common in the US, travelers may not have the immunity necessary to naturally fight of the disease and will need the yellow fever vaccine.
But when should parents schedule or plan for travel vaccines? What is the required or recommended date to get updated vaccines?
Most public health officials suggest received updated travel vaccines at least a few weeks in advance of their trip for most family members (5 years or older in most cases).

What are some of the health consequences of forgoing a travel vaccine?

Without travel vaccines, you and your family’s chances of getting harmful diseases and symptoms increases dramatically. The travel vaccine for most patients are the only way to fight of symptoms of infectious disease including nausea, vomiting, and other harmful physical symptoms. This is because your body’s immune system is not used to native diseases outside of your home country.
Find out which vaccines you need for your trip by checking out the CDC’s Traveler’s Health site. The site is a great resource to find any public health updates or vaccine needs in your destination country.

Do urgent care centers provide my family updated travel vaccinations?

The good news for traveling families is that urgent care centers and their respective walk-in clinics provide an easy way to get any necessary travel vaccines.
Call ahead to quickly find out which vaccines they can order and provide for you and your family, if you don’t want to wait for another medical provider. If the urgent care center has the appropriate vaccine, then simply take your family in for and receive updated vaccinations in a few minutes.
Don’t let diseases and avoidable health issues get in the way of your family trip! Take some time to get those travel vaccinations and speak with a medical professional if you have any other questions about vaccinations!