Summer is here, and those brave enough are getting our passports ready for a quick getaway. Rates of COVID-19 may be dropping in the U.S, but there are still other countries where the virus and its variants, specifically the latest- Delta variant still prevail. More than ever before, whether you're planning on going to another state or flying internationally, you'll want to prepare for COVID-19 and for other local illnesses. And no, it's not just COVID-19 you have to worry about. There are still plenty of other viruses out there that you need to prepare for. So let’s make sure you’re up to date with your vaccines/travel meds. Getting the proper travel vaccines is another way of making sure unwanted diseases like hepatitis, measles or Japanese encephalitis don’t travel home with you. Many diseases have week-long incubation periods, which means you could return home then get a nasty surprise illness. Be sure to get vaccinated before you leave to avoid any unwanted traveling companions.

AFC Urgent Care Torrington is your local urgent care center that can help administer vaccines to help protect you and your family from diseases and illnesses. Our providers will sit down and consult with you on what you will need, depending on your destination. Travel vaccines that you may need Before heading out on your summer break adventure, be sure to research your destination's travel vaccines and COVID-19 guidelines. You’ll definitely want to know if there are any specific health conditions or viruses going on in a particular country if you do plan on going overseas.

Here are the common vaccines we can administer that you may need before you travel:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine
• Pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine
• Influenza vaccine
• Meningococcal disease
• Yellow Fever
• Rabies
• Typhoid vaccine
• Tetanus-diphtheria vaccine
• Japanese Encephalitis

Getting your travel vaccines in time to travel! It’s important to remember that most vaccines will need to be taken weeks in advance in order for them to provide full immunity, so after researching the travel vaccines listed above make sure you give yourself enough time for them to take effect. 2 weeks ahead of time is a good gauge. Travel advice: You might also want to prepare for any personal restrictions you may have like gluten intolerance or diabetes. Relaxing vacations doesn’t mean relaxed health regimens. Traveler’s Diarrhea– While not what you may want to think about when planning your trip, “TD” can be a serious risk. Take a traveler’s diarrhea kit with you, especially if you’re traveling to riskier destinations. This includes Mexico, the Caribbean or any developing country. We also suggest not drinking tap water in most of these countries unless you are sure they are using a good filter.

Will I Need To Get Covid-19 Vaccinated In Order To Travel?

According to The CDC, everyone 16 years of age and older should get fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before travel. This means having both doses of either Moderna or Pfizer or the single shot from Johnson & Johnson. Vaccines take a FULL 14 days to be in effect. Although cases in the U.S have decreased over the past few months, travel restrictions for international countries are more restricted than domestic traveling. This means that a COVID-19 vaccine will be your safest bet when traveling internationally. Remember, there are still other variants out there in other countries. We highly suggest keeping up with international countries for travel advice and their contact with the Coronavirus and other diseases. The CDC has a comprehensive guide for travelers on current health issues and risks for countries around the world.

***For instance, Mexico or the Carribean are still at level 4- high risk -for COVID-19 exposure. You can check the link above and use the drop down menu for your country of destination to find out more information.

International Travel Requirements For Covid-19 Vaccinated And Unvaccinated People

As of this date:

• Masks are required on all public transportation options (Plane, Bus, Taxis, train, etc.) regardless of your vaccine status
• You must test negative for COVID-19 1-3 days prior to boarding an international flight.
• A negative viral test is also required 3 days prior to boarding your flight BACK to the U.S

3-5 days after you return, the CDC advises that you get tested. Unvaccinated people must quarantine for a full 7 days after traveling internationally, regardless if they test negative. If you’re not vaccinated and you don’t get tested, the CDC recommends that you stay home and quarantine for 10 days. The CDC also suggests that you stay away from high risk individuals for 14 days whether or not you have been tested.

What About Traveling Domestically?

At this time a COVID-19 vaccine is not required to travel to other states, but, what you should know is that fully COVID-19 vaccinated people do not need to test before or after travel unless it’s required for certain destinations like Hawaii. Vaccinated people should also still wear masks, social distance and wash hands. As for the unvaccinated folks: A viral test may be recommended when traveling to certain destinations like Hawaii. Upon returning to Connecticut it is also recommended to get COVID-19 tested 3-5 days after travel. During this time you should also self monitor symptoms and quarantine a full 7 days. If you do not get tested, then you should quarantine for 10 days.

***AFC Urgent Care Torrington is a trusted provider with the state of Hawaii for COVID-19 testing. We can also help if you need COVID-19 testing prior to your trip and after you return. AFC Torrington can help with your travel vaccinations and medications If you are behind on your travel vaccinations, need vaccinations for your child, or just want to double check which vaccinations you already have, walk-in to our center. There's no appointment necessary. Summer is here so it’s a good time to begin the process. We are here for you 7 days a week, 8am-8pm Monday-Friday and also 8am-5pm on the weekends. We’re located at 1171 East Main street across from Webster Bank. You can always contact us for more information on COVID-19, travel vaccines and requirements at (860) 264-4176.

***We do not offer any of the COVID-19 vaccines, but you can easily schedule one at your local pharmacy like CVS or Walgreens. If you need additional vaccine distribution sites, you can use Connecticut’s vaccine portal to find a COVID-19 vaccine provider near you.