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Travel Health: Vaccines and Preparation Before You Go

Check your vaccines, review the CDC travel notices and plan for mosquito-borne illness before you travel. Start early, since some vaccines need weeks to work.

Travel health takes planning. Some vaccines need several weeks to protect you, and some destinations have risks you can prevent.

Before you go

Make sure you and your family are up to date on routine vaccines. Then check the CDC’s destination guidance for any vaccines or medicines that are recommended for your trip. Common travel vaccines include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, meningococcal disease, rabies and Japanese encephalitis. Which ones you need depends on where you are going, how long you will stay and what you will do there.

Bring your medical history and a list of current medicines to your appointment. We can review what you need and give you a plan.

Mosquito-borne illness

Mosquitoes spread several travel illnesses, including Zika and dengue. Symptoms are often mild, but Zika can harm a developing baby. If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, talk with your provider before travel. Use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and sleep under nets where needed.

During your trip

Keep the CDC’s travel notices handy, since outbreaks and alerts change. Carry any medicines you need in your carry-on bag, and know how to reach a clinic at your destination.

After you return

Watch for fever or other symptoms in the weeks after travel and tell your provider where you went.

Schedule a travel visit

We can review vaccines, prescriptions and any physical exam you need before a trip. Call (248) 690‑9181 before your next trip.

Common questions

How early should I see a doctor before I travel?

Ideally four to six weeks before you leave. Some vaccines need time to work, and some require more than one dose.

Where can I find current travel health information?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publishes destination-specific travel health notices and vaccine recommendations. Check them before each trip.

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Lake Orion 248‑690‑9181
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