Spring Travel Plans?
Plan for Good Health During and After the Trip
Traveling abroad this spring or summer? Check now to see what immunizations or other preparations are recommended to stay healthy during and after the trip. Ideally this means checking with a health care provider or travel clinic two months before traveling, to allow time to get an appointment, and for vaccines and medications to be effective before departure.
Travel clinics provide practical information on how to stay safe and healthy while traveling, in addition to vaccines and medications that protect from illness. The information is specific to the destination and includes important advice about food and personal safety.
“We want people to know that diseases that are not common in the United States may still be common in other countries. We have seen large measles outbreaks in Europe, for example. It’s a small world—many diseases are just a plane ride away. Not only can you become ill, but you may bring an infection home that spreads to others,” says Diane McHugh, Immunization Coordinator at Public Health Madison & Dane County (PHMDC).
“It’s also important to remember that Zika is still around in many countries, and women who are pregnant should avoid these areas. People whose partners are pregnant and women trying to become pregnant need to be cautious when traveling or consider traveling to an area without Zika,” continues McHugh.
Travel clinic visits and vaccines may not be covered by insurance. A phone call to the insurance company can determine what is or is not covered. Some pharmacies may also offer travel vaccines and advice. When insurance does not cover the expense, other options are the Rock and Waukesha County health departments, who offer less expensive consultation and vaccines.
