Travel Vaccinations: When Should I Schedule an Appointment?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends travel vaccinations for a variety of situations. To make sure you are well prepared, you need to schedule your appointment several weeks before your trip.
When visiting certain parts of the world,
travel vaccinations can ensure that you have a happier, healthier time in a new environment. Many of the different types of recommended or optional but most travelers understand the importance of preparing their bodies as they venture into new territory. In most cases, a last minute appointment will not provide you with the protection that you need. Before setting a final departure date, be sure to meet with your physician to find out if you need a vaccine before traveling abroad.
Talking With Your Doctor
If you don't know which travel vaccinations you need, make an appointment to see your primary care physician. He or she will be able to tell you what shots or medications you will need based on the location you plan to visit. If possible, bring along specific information about where you will be visiting, how long you will be staying and your expected departure and arrival dates both coming and going.
Providing your doctor with plenty of information gives him an opportunity to suggest a course of vaccines to get your body ready to go. In addition to the basics of your trip, ask your doctor if there are any travel vaccinations that you may need administered because of specific health concern like diabetes. If everyone in your family is going to be joining your travels, ask about any other issues that need to be addressed. For example, if your children are coming along, you want to find out if they will need anything different before you leave the country.
It may not be possible to receive these treatments at your doctor's office. In some instances, you may need to meet with a specialist in order to gain access to the right travel vaccinations. Again, the earlier you contact a specialist and better chance you have of preparing your body for the trip.
The Earlier, The Better
The best way to make sure that you get some form of protection before you leave is to set up an appointment for travel vaccinations between four and six weeks in advance. Your body is not immediately ready to take on the new environment. It takes time for the vaccines to enter into your body. You want them to be at full effectiveness as you step off the boat or plane.
Some vaccines require are administered multiple times over the course of a few weeks. At your first appointment with the doctor or vaccine specialist, set up a schedule for all of your appointments. Before you leave, make arrangements so that you know when you need to come in next as well as how many appointments you will need in the future.
