Do I Really Need Travel Vaccinations?

For those that like to or want to consider traveling abroad sometimes you might see the recommendation for travel vaccinations. Are these really necessary? How do I know which ones to get? Why is important? This is freaking me out, do I still want to travel there? These are all questions I have asked myself and or have had others ask me about. I will go over all of your concerns and questions so you have all of the information to make the best decision for you.

Are Travel Vaccines Necessary?

My all time answer will I think always be YES. They are important because some countries that you travel to have different bacteria, pathogens, viruses, diseases, and bugs than you might have at home. The people of those countries either have built up an immunity to these, are vaccinated themselves, or avoid the common ways to contract them.

Examples are regions that you don’t want to drink the water for example Southeast Asia, South/Central America, Africa, and so on. Certain foods can also be a no go. Bugs are also a factor in tropical or warmer climate regions and they can carry diseases, viruses, and bacteria that your body needs a stronger fighting mechanism to defend itself from. Just make sure you do as much research as possible.

Importance of Travel Vaccinations

It’s important to take precautions to protect your body from those situations and try to minimize or negate the damage. I would rather be safe than sorry. If you choose not to get a vaccine that is recommended for a specific country that is not just putting you at your own risk but depending on what you could contract the lives of others as well.

Some countries require proof of vaccination upon landing in the country and or when you enter back into your own. All in all it might be expensive to get the vaccines but it’s not worth the alternative to skip the vaccine.

Which Ones To Get (Resources)

The best resource to find out which and or IF vaccines are even necessary is the CDC website. Search the country you are traveling to and check if you need to get a vaccine, what precautions they list (if any) and how to get your shots.

Most shots will need to be ordered because doctors/pharmacy’s don’t keep them on hand. I went though Walgreens in order to get my shots for traveling to Southeast Asia. They had to order two of them but it only took 2 days to come in and I didn’t have to pay any extra for them to order it. I had to get the Hepatitis A, Thyphiod, and Japanese Encephalitis Vaccines. Some are due to water and the last one is because it’s carried by mosquitoes. The total cost of these three vaccines was out of pocket $500. Most insurance companies DO NOT cover them. It is elective and not mandatory for your daily health but a lifestyle decision.

Traveling To Your Destination

If I have thoroughly freaked you out now don’t stress! I promise that for me once I got the vaccines it gave me a better piece of mind that I was protected. Some of these vaccines last for over 10 years and one was a lifetime shot that all I needed was one and I’m good.

On the CDC website it will also show you the map of where those outbreaks are most populated. If you are going to the touristy areas for the most part it’s slim to none. The more rural areas are where you have to take extra precautions. Your greatest tool is to educate yourself. Ignorance is not bliss on this one!

I love to travel and if a slightly germaphobic hypochondriac can travel to these destinations I think you’ll be ok! I hope this helped to answer your questions/concerns about travel vaccinations! Check out what destinations to explore on my destinations tab.

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