Travel Vaccinations

Whether you’re traveling for business, pleasure, or mission outreach, The Shot Nurse has the protection you need with a personal touch. We offer convenient walk-in services at two mid-south locations with no waiting and front door parking. For groups, a registered nurse can also come to you! Visit your church, school, or place of business to provide necessary vaccinations on-site. 

Why Vaccinate Before You Travel?

Many countries around the world have infectious diseases that are not common in the United States. With the proper vaccinations, you can prepare your body to defend itself if it comes in contact with one of these diseases. Even in countries that don’t require a vaccine to enter, many vaccinations are still strongly recommended. Traveling without them puts you at greater risk of contracting serious illness.

When Should I Get Vaccinated?

Make sure you get your travel vaccinations at least one month before your departure date. Some vaccines are given in a series over a period of time, so you may need to return for additional doses before you are cleared for travel. It is also important that anyone traveling internationally is currently on routine vaccinations. You can receive any necessary boosters at the same time as your travel-specific vaccines. Everyone traveling internationally should also receive a seasonal flu shot.

How Do I Find Out Which Vaccines I Need?

The vaccines you need depend on where you are going. Visit the CDC’s travel destination page at www.cdc.gov/travel to look up recommendations for your specific destination. Once on the site, click on your destination country on the map, or use the alphabetical list if you’re unsure of its location. You will see a list of recommended vaccines along with detailed information on how to prepare for your visit. Print this page and bring it with you, this list is compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, whose job it is to track and communicate exactly this kind of information.

Required Vaccinations

Most countries do not require proof of vaccination to enter, but two regions do require the Yellow Fever vaccine: parts of South America and Africa. Yellow Fever is a serious viral disease transmitted through mosquito bites. Symptoms typically appear about five days after a bite and can include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases internal bleeding as organs are affected. If you plan to visit South America or Africa, you will need the Yellow Fever vaccine before departure.

Saudi Arabia also requires proof of a Meningococcal vaccination for entry. Meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection spread through saliva and respiratory droplets. It can cause fever, severe headache, and stiff neck, and can lead to coma or death if left untreated. If you plan to visit Saudi Arabia, this vaccine is required.

Recommended Vaccinations

Beyond required vaccines, a number of additional vaccinations are recommended depending on your destination. Since measles remains common in many countries, unvaccinated travelers can bring measles back to the U.S. where it can spread. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is strongly recommended, especially before international travel. Your full recommended vaccine list will be specific to your destination, refer to the CDC travel page above to find yours.

Complimentary Malaria Medication

Along with your travel vaccines, The Shot Nurse provides a complimentary malaria medication prescription to be filled at your pharmacy. The cost of the medication varies by prescription. Your nurse will help you review which medication is appropriate for your specific area of travel. Visit the CDC’s recommended malaria drugs page for more information on malaria prevention. If you are not receiving vaccines and only need a prescription review, the cost is $25.

Other Health Precautions While Traveling

Vaccinations are just one part of staying healthy abroad. Keep the following in mind:

• Food and water: Wash your hands before and after meals, and avoid consuming anything that hasn’t been pasteurized. Vomiting or diarrhea while traveling is often food- or water-related.
• Animals: Avoid contact with all animals in foreign countries, even those that appear healthy. If you do touch an animal, wash your hands immediately with soap and water. If an animal bites you, clean the wound and see a physician right away. Rabies is a serious concern in many parts of the world and is transmitted through animal contact.
• Insects: Mosquitoes are the primary insect concern for international travelers and can carry diseases such as malaria, encephalitis, and others. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and apply insect repellent containing DEET to exposed skin.

Special Circumstances

Certain health conditions may affect your ability to receive some or all travel vaccines. If any of the following apply to you, speak with your doctor before scheduling vaccinations:

• Pregnancy: It is generally not advisable for pregnant women to travel after the second trimester. Some vaccines may also not be recommended during pregnancy, as they could potentially affect the unborn baby.
• Weakened immune system: Individuals with conditions such as HIV or diabetes may not be able to receive certain vaccines and may also be more susceptible to illness abroad. A physician will need to evaluate whether travel is safe.
• Children: A doctor may adjust a child’s normal immunization schedule to accommodate travel vaccines, depending on the destination and the child’s age.

If you need help figuring out what vaccines you need before your trip, come visit The Shot Nurse! We also have an easy travel vaccine guide if you’d like to browse before you visit.